Th e First Annual Susquehanna Dam Jam, sponsored by Laurrapin Grille of Havre de Grace, was held on Sunday, August

16. Th e race was organized by Bruce Clarke, owner of the Laurrapin Grille and an avid kayaker. Clarke envisioned the event almost three years ago believing that a race down the Susquehanna River would help open up this wonderful geographic area to other kayakers from surrounding states. On a hot and sunny Sunday in August, his idea became a reality With over 50 boats making the maiden voyage.

Th e race was a

7. 2 mile community paddle that started at the Conowingo Dam and ended at Tidewater Marina in Havre de Grace.

Th e fi rst kayaker in the water was Joseph Dougherty, son of current Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty. Clarke received plenty of help in the organizing of the kayaks for launching by Bob Chance, long-time local environmentalist and fellow kayaker from Darlington,

MD. Th e race was divided into two groups – beginner and advanced – with the beginners given a handicap.

Th e winner of the race was Daniel Robbins of Bel Air, who made the trip in 1hour and 46 minutes. All of the kayakers successfully completed the race and there were no mishaps.

Garrett Pensell, owner of Tidewater Marina, graciously opened his facility for the race. Th ere, live music was performed by Muddy River Blues, Acoustically Sound and Gypsy Dawg. A community grill was set up for participants and party goers to cook their own food and place it on a community table.

Clarke explained that he wanted to make the Susquehanna Dam Jam a benefi t for the Community since the river is such a wonderful source of enjoyment and pride to Havre de Grace. Th erefore, he designated the Havre de Grace Water Rescue Unit of the Susquehanna Hose Company as the benefi ciary. Clarke pointed out that the event raised almost $1200 and that all of the donation funds will go directly to the Hose Company. He believes that as an annual event, the Dam Jam will bring about greater awareness of the river as a valuable resource for the community and hopes it will lead to greater Education, respect and community activism.

On Monday night, September 21, Clarke and Havre de Grace Director of Tourism, Bridget Peters, made a presentation to the Mayor and City Council about the Dam Jam. A check of $ 1,180 was presented to the Susquehanna Hose Company.

Pensell was given a framed photograph of Tidewater Marina by the City for hosting the Dam Jam. Clarke was congratulated by Mayor Dougherty, who thanked him for creating yet another valuable event to benefit the Havre de Grace Community. The mayor said he was impressed by the attendance, participation and organization for a first-time event and he hopes that it will be an annual one. Clarke concluded that the Word has spread throughout the Mid-Atlantic and he has gotten calls from kayakers and kayak rental companies from Delaware and Virginia who want to participate in next year’s event.