MISSOURI WHITEWATER RACES MARCH 16-17

FREDERICKTOWN -- Whitewater racing fun is coming to Millstream Gardens Conservation Area.

The Missouri Whitewater Association will sponsor its annual kayak races March 16 and 17 at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) area on the Little St. Francois River in Madison County.

This is the 29th year the races are being held. Missouri Whitewater Association spokesman Steve Mossbacher says the event promises to be exciting, with racers of various skill levels maneuvering through gates on a boulder-strewn course. The course includes a Class III rapids with a drop of five feet.

The races, to take place about a half mile from the shut-ins area at Millstream Gardens, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday. An estimated 75 decked boats and 50 open boats will participate in the event. March 23 and 24 are alternate dates for the event if low water forces a postponement.

MDC will provide parking and toilet facilities for the event. Overnight camping facilities are available at Millstream. MDC Resource Forester Ed Brown is the contact for more information on MDC facilities. He can be reached at (314) 756-6488. For more information on the kayak races or the Missouri Whitewater Association, call Steve Mossbacher, (314) 256-3053.