It was one of the few events that did not get scrapped in 2020, and it is set to return again this year.

 

The annual United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties “Paddle for a Cause,” which was formerly the “Regatta,” is on tap for July 31. It will once again be held at Maple Lake.

 

Events will kick off 10:15 a.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon.

 

“We’re super excited to have this event again because with COVID-19 last year we had a great turnout, but we hope to have more this year,” said United Way Executive Director Brad Riffee. “We also moved it from October to July hoping to increase the numbers.”

 

The reason for that is simple, said Riffee. He said events on a lake are likely to draw more people in warm weather as opposed to colder temperatures.

 

“Moving it to the summer may encourage more people to get out on the water in whatever capacity during the event and be able to have fun and help a good cause,” said Riffee.

 

The event was previously known as “The Regatta” and primarily featured one event. That event was the highly popular cardboard boat race.

 

“That component is still there, and we hope to see plenty of homemade crafts during the day,” said Riffee.

 

Under the new format, kayaks, water boards, air mattresses and something such as a “blowup unicorn” is welcome to be involved. Standup paddle boards, which will be supplied by Evan Young and the Appalachian Boarding Company, will also be available.

 

“We’re trying to tailor the event to give more people the opportunity to participate. We’re about building the coming and supporting our United Way organizations who serve as the backbone to the community,” he said.

 

In the past, the event served as a kickoff campaign to that year’s United Way fundraising effort. Despite the date change, that will stay the same.

 

“We’ve already started planning our 2022 fundraising campaign. This event will support, 100 percent, the new fundraising campaign,” said Riffee, who said $750,000 will be a target in 2022 to raise.

 

For those not wanting to participate in any of the events, Riffee said the “community float” may be the ticket. He said individuals can paddle around the lake and cheer people as they compete.

 

Concessions will also be available. Riffee said the Mr. Taco Food Truck will be there as the vendor.

 

Click HERE to register.

 

Below is the tentative schedule.

Editor’s Note:The United Way wants those planning on attending the schedule is subject to change. Photos in the article are by Ben Queen Photography.