Westfield River Wildwater Races committee aims to save event after facing inflation issues

HUNTINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) – A western Massachusetts tradition for hundreds of participants aiming to race in kayaks or canoes down the Westfield River has come to a halt as the committee faces logistical and financial challenges.

Registration for the 69th annual Westfield River WildWater Races opened on March 1st for the whitewater kayak and canoe races being held on April 20th. Unfortunately, the committee announced that an increase in the costs of running the races has put the event in jeopardy of canceling it this year.

A cancellation notice was posted on Friday by The Westfield River Wildwater Race Committee however, two days later several businesses stepped up to help sponsor as well as funds from the community were donated. The latest information posted by the committee on Sunday indicated that the event is still on hold until approvals to move forward are made by select boards.

Currently, the two clinics scheduled for April 6th and 13th are postponed. The committee will update the information about the race schedules online as soon as additional information is released.

For sponsorship opportunities, donations, or volunteer information, email [email protected]. Out of the $10,000 goal, nearly $5,000 has been donated toward saving this year’s race on GoFundMe.