Douglas County Community Calendar
Events for the Alexandria/Douglas County area
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2023 Big Ole Paddlefest
July 14, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm CDT
The Big Ole PaddleFest is a charitable, adventure paddle on Alexandria’s Chain of Lakes and the Long Prairie River. On Fri., July 14th, stand up paddleboarders, kayakers & canoeists paddle scenic lake-to-lake courses of 5, 10 or 17 miles. On Sat., July 15th, the Long Prairie River Cruise is a gorgeous, family-friendly trip down a MN State Water Trail. The Big Ole PaddleFest (BOP) welcomes paddlers of all crafts, skill levels, and children 12+. We donate all profits to our local United Way, and raised $12,214 in 2022!
The BOP kicks off at 8A on Friday, July 14th with our signature event – the 17 mi Big Ole! The 10 mi SVEN begins at 10A, and the 5 mi LENA starts at 12P. Friday’s courses are well-supported by volunteers with snacks & water, and guide boats are used on larger lakes. Medals are awarded to the 3 fastest men’s and women’s paddleboarders and kayakers of each event, and all finishers of the Big Ole! Our top fundraisers & volunteers are also recognized at the Post-Paddle Party at Arrowwood Marina. The Long Prairie River Cruise (LPRC) is on Saturday, July 15th. The 8 mi LPRC starts at 9A at the Hwy 29 LPR Access in Carlos and ends at the Belle River bridge.
PADDLER SAFETY
Safety must be everyone’s highest priority to sustain the Big Ole PaddleFest. Paddlers should read the rules & regulations, advice and safety tips, and register for the course that best suits their abilities. The BOS is insured and regulated through the US Canoe Association and permitted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY REGISTRATION?
An Alexandria Area Adventure through the Chain of Lakes, or down the Long Prairie River! Paddlers receive a safety whistle, can coozie, water & snacks.
Friday’s Chain of Lakes Courses – 5 mi LENA – $49, $29/kids 12-17; 10 mi SVEN – $69; $49/kids 12-17; 17 mi Big Ole – $89, $69/kids 12-17
Saturday’s Long Prairie River Cruise – 8 mi LPRC – $39/adults, $19/kids 12-17
P.S. Safety is always our #1 concern, so we would like to remind our beloved SUPers that safety leashes are required.
Friday, July 14th, 2023 – Chain of Lakes Courses
8 AM 17 mi BIG OLE (<– Google Maps of courses)
10 AM 10 mi SVEN
12 PM 5 mi LENA
1- 3 PM Post-Paddle Party @ Arrowwood Marina (2100 Arrowwood Ln)
3- 4 PM Post-Paddle Award Show @ AW
Saturday, July 15th, 2023 – Long Prairie River Cruise
9 AM 8 mile LPRC
2023 Event Info & Registration fb – bo.paddlefest ig – bo_paddlefest
