Montgomery County Kayak-a-thon/Bicentennial Bash

Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards are all invited to launch from Fonda and travel east along the Mohawk River, through Locks 12 and 11, and conclude their paddle at the Port Jackson Boat Launch in Amsterdam. It is an approximately 9 mile paddle.

Check-in will begin at 8am at the Fonda Park at 40 Park St, Fonda, NY 12068. We will launch at 9:30AM.

Participants can drop their kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, and then park. Event parking will be available at the parking lot at 1 Port Jackson Square, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or the parking lot on 63 Bridge Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010, with with shuttle service provided back to the boat launch. A post-event lunch will be available for registered particpant at the South Side Veterans Memorial Park on Bridge Street (directly across the street from 63 Bridge Street).
Kayak Rentals Available

A limited number of kayak rentals will be available from Upstate Kayak Rentals:

This year marks a once-in-a-lifetime milestone — the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal — and we’re making it one to remember! After paddling the scenic Mohawk River during the Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon, we invite you to stay the night and keep the celebration going at our Bicentennial Bash at Riverlink Park in Amsterdam.

Bash Schedule

3:30 PM – Food Trucks & DJ
3:30 PM – Family Fun & Games
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Waterski Show on the Mohawk
7:00 PM – Gridley Paige’s AM Gold Yacht Party: Experience on the River
9:00 PM – Fireworks over the water

To make your experience even more memorable, consider booking a night locally:
Stay at the Amsterdam Castle – a unique and historic experience just steps from the park! Learn more
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – modern, comfortable, and close by! Book now

BONUS: The first 100 people to register are guaranteed an event t-shirt!

Let’s paddle, party, and honor two centuries of history together. We’d love for you to stay and celebrate with us!