Northland Challenge celebrates record community support in Alpena
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ALPENA -- The fourth annual Northland Challenge brought another successful day of recreation, competition, and community giving to Alpena on Aug. 1.
Hosted by the Northland Area Federal Credit Union, the three-in-one event featured paddle races, the Duck Park Doggy Derby, and an arts and craft vendor show, drawing racers, families, spectators, dogs and local vendors together for a full day of activity at Duck Park.
The paddle races continued to grow this year, with nearly 50 racers competing for cash prizes across three divisions along the Thunder Bay River: Men's Sport, Women's Sport and Recreation. While the event welcomed accomplished paddlers from outside the area, including national champions and a world-level stand-up paddle-board competitor, organizers emphasized that the heart of the race was the strong turnout from local competitors who helped make the event a true community celebration.
Northland once again partnered with Bay Athletic Club, whose support helped drive signups and participation in the paddle races. The collaboration added energy to the event and helped connect more local residents with the growing annual challenge.
"Over four years ago, a conversation became an idea. On paper, it probably sounded a little crazy: a paddle race in a small Northern Michigan town that wasn't known for paddling," said Matt Duthler, AVP of Marketing. "None of us had ever organized a race before. We had no blueprint--just one question: Why not create something local people would compete in and others would travel here for? That question became the Northland Challenge."
The Duck Park Doggy Derby also saw a larger turnout this year, with dozens of dogs racing to the delight of spectators. Winners in various weight classes received medals, while most participating dogs went home with a Northland Credit Union bandana and leash.
Beyond the races, the event offered something for all ages, including a free bounce house for children, food and refreshments from Country Fun Foods of Hillman, and a vendor craft show featuring many handmade products from local makers and small businesses.
Proceeds from this year's Northland Challenge are being donated locally to the Thunder Bay River Center, Huron Pines and Second Chance Animal Shelter, continuing the event's mission of supporting organizations that serve the Alpena area.
"We are looking forward to our fifth anniversary next year and large growth in participation as well as donations to local non-profits," said Jenn Lipps, Northland' Alpena Branch Manager.
This event would not have been possible without the support of many local sponsors, including Bedrock, Keystone, The Mountain Inn, Roar Salon, Bay Athletic Club, Alpena Supply, Players Pub, McWilliams Funeral Home, Marsh's Collision, Alpena Septic, Thunder Bay Tree Service, Pompeyos, Treasure Salon, Leavesley Construction and RT Sand & Gravel.
The Northland Challenge is held annually on the first Saturday in August. For more information, race results, photos and videos from the event, visit Northland's Facebook page.