60th ANNIVERSARY OF LAKE DEFOREST TO BE MARKED AT LAKE DEFOREST DAY

The 60th anniversary celebration of Lake DeForest, the Supervisor’s Challenge and five hours of guided paddling will take place Sunday, May 22, starting 10 a.m. at the second annual Lake DeForest Day, hosted by SUEZ. The festivities begin with the Supervisor’s Challenge at 10 a.m., which matches the five town supervisors in a 200-meter tandem kayak competition. The winner will be presented the Supervisor’s Cup during the opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m.

More than 500 rowers, kayakers and canoers are expected to participate over the course of the day. Boats will be launched at the south end of the causeway and parking will be available at the New City Little League field on Strawtown Road. Guided paddling sessions will launch at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. In addition to the Supervisor’s Challenge and the guided paddling, local high school crew teams have been invited to practice on the reservoir during the early morning hours.

Boaters can rent single kayaks, double kayaks or canoes for 2 1/2 hours at $20 per paddler. Registration is pre-event only by visiting www.HackensackRiverkeeper.org. Only a limited number of boat rentals are available and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

All proceeds will support the ongoing work of Hackensack Riverkeeper and its mission to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River. Orange and Rockland Utilities is sponsoring this year’s event.