By Shereen Siewert — Hundreds of paddlers will converge Saturday on Wausau-area waterways in what has become one of summer’s most anticipated local events for water enthusiasts.
Event organizer Ed Giallombardo of Wausau said more than 700 paddlers attended last year’s event, for which Wausau Pilot and Review hired VisionAiry Films for this fun footage:
As in past years, the Paddle Pub Crawl launches from D.C. Everest County Park, 1800 S. Third Ave., adjacent to the Eagles Club. Paddlers are encouraged to eat breakfast before gathering at around 11:15 a.m. for live music from a pontoon boat. Announcements will be made at around 12:15 p.m. with paddlers taking off at about 12:30 p.m., making their way through Lake Wausau and the Rib Rivers and stopping at several sandbars before before finishing at Trail’s End, 3901 Sherman Road in the town of Stettin.
Once at Trail’s End, paddlers can enjoy live music on the patio from 2:30 p.m. until about 8 p.m. J-Me Baptist plays at 2:30 p.m., with the Allen Brothers Band taking over at about 5:30 p.m.
Food will be available for purchase with proceeds from some food sales going to the Lake Wausau Association. Members of the Wausau Youth Rugby Club will be assisting with takeout orders, with tips going to to support the organization.
This is not an event sanctioned by a specific group or organization, Giallombardo said, and paddlers can choose their own path. All participants should plan for a five to seven hour trip and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated along the way.
In addition, life jackets are required to be on board for every person in a kayak or other boat.
Other tips for the event:
- Bring sunscreen
- Buy a dry box to store phones, keys and other valuables
- Small, soft coolers are recommended
- No glass if you can avoid it
- Pick up after yourself and help pick up garbage if seen along the river. Always try to leave the river cleaner than how you left it
- Frisbees, balls, and other fun stuff is recommended for sandbars and at the park
- Establish a pickup situation. “Cabs are cheap; DUIs not so much,” Giallombardo said.
- All activities are AT YOUR OWN RISK. Be prepared, be safe and have fun!
For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
A fun little map of the event is available, hosted by Kwick Graphics: https://kwickgraphics.com/paddle-pub-crawl.
