Courtesy Photo Northland Area Federal Credit Union event organizers Alexis Erickson and Jenn Lipps pose with a poster for the Reel Fun Northland Challenge, to be held Aug. 5.

ALPENA — Northland Area Federal Credit Union is partnering with the Thunder Bay River Center and Reel Fun Fishing to sponsor a single kayak sprint race on the Thunder Bay River. In addition, there will be carnival games, and lumberjack shows at Duck Park after the race.

The Reel Fun Northland Challenge will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5. All proceeds will benefit the Thunder Bay River Center, Friends Together, and Alpena Animal Control. Event sponsorships are currently being accepted.

“The single kayak sprint race will offer prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250; registration is $25,” said Alexis Erickson, mortgage specialist and event committee member at Northland.

All registered participants will receive a T-shirt and swag bag. Racers will start from Northland’s parking lot, run and carry their single kayaks down to Sytek Park and paddle to the finish line at Duck Park,” she added.

The carnival is free to attend, and games can be played by purchasing tickets. Puppy races, games, live music, bounce houses, food trucks, and more will be at Duck Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Puppy race entries are $5.

Jack Pine Lumberjacks from Mackinaw City with also be performing several shows, and tickets are required to see the shows.

Sponsors will have available spots to run games and award prizes.

Northland will have an event trailer, financial education, and a sawdust coin dig, and Sasquatch will make several appearances.

“We have several community sponsors stepping up, and we are so appreciative for their help,” said Jenn Lipps, branch manager and event committee member. “There is still time for other sponsors to participate.”

“For several years, we have been looking to create a local water event for athletes and families alike as well as something that would support local small businesses,” said Northland Executive Vice President Jack Eling.

For more information or to register, search “Reel Fun Northland Challenge.” If you have questions, stop into the Alpena headquarters at 1161 N. Bagley St., visit www.northlandcu.com, or email reelfunnorthlandchallenge@gmail.com.

Northland Area Federal Credit Union is an active supporter of local events in all the counties of its branches and currently has 16 branches, over 44,000 members in 27 Northern Michigan counties and nearly $700 million in assets.