The Café-Heritage Festival in Rayside-Balfour has added a component, this fall, that might well be of interest to athletes and families who are very much at ease on the waters.

The "Paddle Vermilion Family Paddle 2016" is slated to become the first step in what event organizers hope will eventually include a more challenging expedition, celebrating the rich history of river and lake travel in Northern Ontario.

Interested paddlers (canoe, kayak, paddleboard) are asked to come out and join in the fun, making their way to the boat launch at Whitewater Park, in Azilda, on Saturday, September 17th, at 1:00 p.m.

The Laurentian University Outdoor Centre has agreed to provide complimentary use of their kayaks and canoes, to be disbursed on a "first come first served" basis.

The event will include an introduction to safe paddling, followed by a family/group excursion on beautiful Whitewater Lake. Family Paddle 2016 is but one of the many activities that will be on-going, throughout the weekend, at the Park, with the Festival in full swing, boasting a great deal of entertainment for the entire family.

Questions on the Family Paddle, or the Café-Heritage Festival, in general, may be directed to Gary Michalak, either via email ("garyjm@sympatico.ca"), or by phone at (705) 983-4297.