It was in the spring of 1977 that a new restaurant, The Dock at Crayton Cove, Naples, FL decided to throw an end-of-season party to celebrate its first year. Because of its waterfront setting, a canoe race seemed a natural. Twenty-five contestants and about 150 spectators participated in that first race. No one realized they had witnessed the birth of a tradition.
Today, the Annual Great Dock Canoe Race is arguably Naples' most popular event. Contestants and spectators travel from throughout the country to race and watch, and thousands of people, from young children to grandparents, celebrate the Race on land, dock, and bay. A prime viewing spot is from Tin City.
The Theme for the event changes each year, and the costumes and headgear of the participants and spectators are as much a part of the day as the paddling and puffing.
Some canoeists are just out there for the fun of it, and upside down canoes at the starting line are not uncommon. Still, there are serious contestants who begin training early for the race, which covers just over 3 miles on Naples Bay. Next Generation racers (12-17 year olds teamed with their parent/guardian) have also been `raising the bar' since 2000.
In 2003, organizers decided to create The Theme Parade. Starting the festivities at 11am, this Parade is a wonderful way for contestants for the "Best Dressed Canoe" (most creative interpretation of each year's chosen theme) to showcase their creations to spectators and judges alike.
In 2004, after 27 years without a change in race format, the 28th Annual 2004 Great Dock Canoe Race saw something quite different & new! For the first time, contestants in all categories (M/M, M/F, F/F) who were out to compete just for the fun of it – the "Ambitious Amateurs" - raced at12.45pm. Those who take their canoeing skills a little more seriously (teams in all categories – M/M, M/F, F/F) chose to enter in the "Practically Professionals" race at 1.45pm. Adjusted time handicaps determined the winners of each race, and the winner of the "Practically Professionals" race at 1.45pm was judged to be the Overall Winner.
The Annual Great Dock Canoe Race, now jointly sponsored by the Dock and Riverwalk Restaurants, began as a community event, and has stayed true to its roots. Each year proceeds of the event are contributed to a local organization. This year the race benefits the Naples Zoo.
Today, the Annual Great Dock Canoe Race is arguably Naples' most popular event. Contestants and spectators travel from throughout the country to race and watch, and thousands of people, from young children to grandparents, celebrate the Race on land, dock, and bay. A prime viewing spot is from Tin City.
The Theme for the event changes each year, and the costumes and headgear of the participants and spectators are as much a part of the day as the paddling and puffing.
Some canoeists are just out there for the fun of it, and upside down canoes at the starting line are not uncommon. Still, there are serious contestants who begin training early for the race, which covers just over 3 miles on Naples Bay. Next Generation racers (12-17 year olds teamed with their parent/guardian) have also been `raising the bar' since 2000.
In 2003, organizers decided to create The Theme Parade. Starting the festivities at 11am, this Parade is a wonderful way for contestants for the "Best Dressed Canoe" (most creative interpretation of each year's chosen theme) to showcase their creations to spectators and judges alike.
In 2004, after 27 years without a change in race format, the 28th Annual 2004 Great Dock Canoe Race saw something quite different & new! For the first time, contestants in all categories (M/M, M/F, F/F) who were out to compete just for the fun of it – the "Ambitious Amateurs" - raced at12.45pm. Those who take their canoeing skills a little more seriously (teams in all categories – M/M, M/F, F/F) chose to enter in the "Practically Professionals" race at 1.45pm. Adjusted time handicaps determined the winners of each race, and the winner of the "Practically Professionals" race at 1.45pm was judged to be the Overall Winner.
The Annual Great Dock Canoe Race, now jointly sponsored by the Dock and Riverwalk Restaurants, began as a community event, and has stayed true to its roots. Each year proceeds of the event are contributed to a local organization. This year the race benefits the Naples Zoo.
The Blues, Brews, and & BBQ festival continues all day Saturday at Tin City with $3 blue crabs, free live music on the outdoor stage, kids events, and lots more for the whole family!
Check out the specials at Tin City Magic and join in the fun!
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