WHITEWATER RACES

FREDRICKTOWN -- Participants from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Wisconsin and Illinois area expected for the Missouri Whitewater Championship races will be held on the St. Francis River near here, March 16-17.

"This date is tentative," said D. Greg Brown, race chairman. "The possibility of water levels being too high, or too low, could cause the race to be postponed until the following weekend, March 23-=24. A decision will be made March 14.

The championships consists of slalom and downriver races for kayaks and canoes. The downriver race consists of a five-mile timed race through rapids.

The races will be held at the Millstream Gardens State Forest on the most challenging section of the St. Francis River, Missouri's only whitewater river. The race site is located just west of Fredericktown, and is surrounded by granite bluffs and boulders which provide a natural amphitheater for spectators. Races start at 10- a.m. the first day, and 9:30 a.m. the second day.

There is no admission, but the events require about a one-mile hike to reach the spectator area. Parking and toilet facilities are limited.

Additional information is available by calling (314)-837-8190.