Paddleboard and fireworks headline events in Chelan over next 2 weeks

CHELAN - With summer finally here, events in Lake Chelan are becoming more frequent including a pair of events to kick off July. 

Windermere SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Cup

The first one being the second annual Windermere SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Cup held on Saturday, July 1 at Chelan PUD Riverwalk Park. 

Windermere Real Estate/Lake Chelan is holding the event for the second straight year to support Chelan County Fire District 7. One hundred percent of the proceeds collected from the competition will go to volunteer firefighter efforts at Chelan Fire and Rescue. 

“The event has probably tripled - since last year - in terms of interest and levels of participation,” Arturo Zavala, a broker at Windermere Real Estate in Chelan said. “A lot of people are talking about it.” 

The SUP Cup is for all ages and skill levels and has three different categories for beginners, intermediate and a long distance paddle. All participants will receive a free t-shirt and the winner of the long distance race will receive $500 cash and a gift package from participating local businesses. 

Free paddleboards will be provided for participants in the beginner and intermediate head although participants are encouraged to bring their own board as they are typically faster than rental boards. Competitors in the distance heat must bring their own board and be experienced enough to handle the 5.5 miles, estimated to take about three hours to complete. 

The distance heat will kick off the event at 7 a.m. at the Old Mill Park in Manson and end at the PUD Riverwalk Park. The beginniner heat will start at 10 a.m. with the intermediate heat following at 11 a.m. 

Entry fee’s for the beginner and intermediate heat are $35 and $50 for the distance heat. 

To register: http://windermeresupcup.com/

4th of July Fireworks

Of course another staple with July is fireworks; and although there is a strict fireworks ban in the county, Chelan and Manson are planning on holding firework shows this coming week. 

Chelan will celebrate their annual Rockin’ Fireworks show at Don Morse Park from 10 to 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 1.

Manson is holding their display on Tuesday, July 4 from 10:15 to 11:15 p.m. 

With that being said, the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce offered a wildfire reminder to residents in the Chelan Valley: “With the warm temperatures and dry conditions, we ask all residents to take extra caution when participating in the festivities and to please refrain from using any personal fireworks.” 

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeidtor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213