A record number of participants and spectators gathered at Norway Pond on Monday evening for Avenue A’s fourth annual Blindfolded Boat Race, a fundraiser supporting youth programs across the Monadnock region.
Twenty-five teams competed in the event, which pairs a blindfolded paddler with a navigator who guides the canoe through a loop course using only verbal directions.
“The Blindfolded Boat Race has become one of our community’s most joyful traditions,” said Jacqueline Roland, director of teen programs at The Grapevine. “We had a great mix of veteran racers, rookie teams, volunteers and supporters who showed up with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to local youth.”
Returning champions The Foecking Paddlers set a new course record, completing the course in 3 minutes, 5 seconds. In the Paddle Off championship, Team Grapevine defeated the Antrim Police Department after the police team’s canoe capsized just before the finish line.
Teams also competed for awards recognizing fundraising efforts and creativity. The Demigods won the Community Division costume contest, while Queens of ConVal took top honors in the Group Division. Fundraising awards went to 2 Tacos in a Boat and the Antrim Garden Club for raising the most money in their respective divisions, while the Dublin Yacht Club and Cranky Bike Tours earned awards for securing the most pledges. The White Rabbits were recognized as the fastest youth paddlers.
The event launched Avenue A’s New Hampshire Gives campaign, which seeks to raise $20,000 to support year-round youth enrichment programs. Organizers reported that approximately $10,000 had been raised as of Monday evening.
Avenue A is a program of The Grapevine Family & Community Resource Center in Antrim. The organization serves more than 350 young people ages 11 to 19 from 21 towns through free programs focused on leadership, resilience and community connection.
To support the campaign or learn more, visit grapevinenh.org/give.
