Presented by Northland Area Federal Credit Union, activities will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We really wanted to start something local by Northland that supports the community,” said Matt Duthler, assistant vice president of marketing at Northland.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Alpena County Animal Control Shelter, Thunder Bay River Center, and local veterans.

“Last year went well,” Duthler added. “It was a good starting year.”

Courtesy Photo The Reel Fun Northland Challenge will include a Duck Park Doggy Derby again this year. Pictured are some of last year’s winners of the dog race. The registration fee is $10 per dog, and they will race according to weight class. All proceeds will benefit Alpena Animal Control.

This year’s course is longer for the kayak race, he added. They have expanded the event to include the craft fair this year, as well.

“We’re going to have a much bigger event this year,” he said.

The kayak race will start at 9 a.m. from Sytek Park on Bagley Street. First place will win $1,000; second will win $750; and third will win $500. Kayak racers must be 18 or older to participate. The course is approximately six miles long. The kayakers will load into the water using the boat launch at Sytek Park. Racers will paddle downstream toward the Alpena County Fairgrounds. Kayakers will circle Island Park and return upstream toward Sytek Park, where they must pass under the Sytek Bridge to finish. Register at northlandcu.com/northlandchallenge. Online registration is $25.

“We’re introducing the art and craft show this year,” said Lexie Lino, Northland marketing specialist. “Last year, we had a few vendors, and it went very well.”

Vendors and crafters are sought to participate in the Reel Fun Northland Challenge craft/vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Duck Park within the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary, 1510 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. The vendor fee is $40 for a 10-foot by 10-foot space. Bring your own pop-up tent and tables. For more information, call Lexie Lino, NAFCU marketing specialist, email reelfunnorthlandchallenge@gmail.com, or visit northlandcu.com/northlandchallenge for an application.

“It’s local artisans around northern Michigan,” Lino added, noting that this is one way for Northland to help promote small businesses in the community. “I’m very excited about it.”

Bring your furry friends to participate in the Duck Park Doggy Derby on July 20. The fee is $10 per pooch, with all proceeds to benefit Alpena County Animal Control Shelter located at the fairgrounds. Race times will be held by weight class. Dogs weighing up to 15 pounds will race at noon; 16 to 30 pounds at 1 p.m.; 31 to 45 pounds at 2 p.m.; 46 to 60 pounds at 3 p.m.; and 61 pounds and over at 4 p.m.

Jennifer Lipps, branch manager at Northland Area Federal Credit Union, explained how the dog race course will be set up.

“We line it with hay bales,” she said. “You have to have two people — one at the beginning and one at the end. One holds the dog, and the other one calls it. It’s $10 to register. All the money goes to the animal control at the fairgrounds.”

The doggies will get medals for first, second, and third place in their weight class.

“If you have not seen dogs race, it is the cutest thing,” Lipps added. “Some of them go backwards. It’s just good time entertainment.”

Lipps has five dogs at home.

“There will also be carnival games for little kids to win stuffed animals,” Lipps added.

Fat Freddie’s food truck will be on-site as well.

“This is all a fundraiser, too,” said Tammy Hermansen, Northland marketing director. “The proceeds benefit the River Center to celebrate clean water, but then we’re also supporting local veterans, and the animal shelter.”

Reach Lifestyles Editor Darby Hinkley at dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or 989-358-5691.