Vatten Paddlar
Since 2015, on the second Saturday of every July, the community members on the Eau Claire Lakes and River, local non-profits, clubs, businesses and the town of Barnes have come together to host a 5 and 10 mile, canoe, kayak, and SUP race. This year will be the 7th Vadden Paddlar race.
The Vatten Paddlar race provides a platform for everyone to experience a day of togetherness through activity. This event is for those participating competitively, as well as for family and friends to get out on the water, and paddle together. Its an event that celebrates the outdoors, active lifestyles and healthy competition. Race finishers feel a sense of accomplishment of a worthy challenge completed.
Our event promotes our sponsors, local businesses in the community, and partners with other nonprofits to support them and their cause. The community and the Town of Barnes have kept this event going with the support of volunteers, local clubs and businesses.
In 2022, the event drew 81 water-crafts, 107 paddlers, countless volunteers, spectators and race supporters. Cowbells and cheers, came from dock ends, boats, bridges, and start and finish line crowds. The energy was high, and the joy of all involved was contagious.
What started in 2015 with a few a paddlers and a few boats, has grown into a community tradition. A day of togetherness, where neighbors get to know neighbors, local businesses get a boost, and the clear waters of the Eau Claire Lakes and River, are shared with those familiar and new. It is an event the community, participants, supporters, and businesses look forward to year after year.