39th Annual Great Dock Canoe Race Attracts Thousands of Spectators

NAPLES, Fla. - June 9, 2015 - PRLog -- On Saturday May 9, The Dock at Crayton Cove hosted the 39th annual Great Dock Canoe Race. Canoeists from all over the state of Florida participated in this year’s “Hunger Games” themed race, collectively gathering an audience of thousands who cheered from the sidelines.

With race participants ranging in age from thirteen to 80, the atmosphere was full of excitement. The overall champions of the 39th annual Great Dock Canoe Race were Bill and Adriene Ervin. The ‘Chuck Bruce Broken Paddle’ award was presented to Richie Baker and Alex Gardella for completing the race while overcoming a significant obstacle. The winners of the ‘Practically Professional’ canoe race were Bill and Adriene Ervin. This race is for canoeists competing for trophies. First prize recipients of the ‘Ambitious Amateurs’, canoeists who are racing just for the fun of it, were Jim DePalo and Josh Marzucco.  Bruce McNall and Stan Chrzanowski received first place in the ‘Truly Tenacious’ race, which is for those canoeists who are 65 or older. Ed Dean and Eddie Dean won the ‘Next Generation’ race for 12-17 year-olds and their parent/guardian. The Joe Klimas “Keep on Paddling” award for family sportsmanship in the ‘Next Generation’ race was presented to Chris Maritato and Emmett Maritato. The ‘Tippycanoe VIP Sprint’ race award was presented to Lutgert Insurance (Kenny Main III and Shanna Ward). Mike Gill and Jorge Sanchez took first place with their best-decorated “Hunger Forever” creation in the ‘Hunger Games theme competition and parade. This year also marked the 25th anniversary of Jim Scott being Chair of the Tippycanoe VIP Sprint.

Vin DePasquale, owner of The Dock at Crayton Cove and Riverwalk at Tin City was joined by many esteemed public figures in the area to help celebrate this years’ event.  DePasquale was pleased to have State Senator, Garrett Richter serve as Grand Marshall and Jerry Conti return as co-emcee for the third year in a row. Other notable participants were Pete Jenks, who was the champion of the first-ever Great Dock Canoe Race and dedicated canoe racer, Kim Kelsey, who celebrated his 30th consecutive year racing.

The success of the event was made possible with the support of the VIP sprint co-sponsors, which included; The Lutgert Insurance, Lutgert Companies, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.  Other sponsors included; Wiegold One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, Cove Inn, Naples Extreme Family Fun Spot, Childs & Childs Cosmetic Dentistry, First Florida Integrity Bank, Bleu Provence and the City of Naples. This year’s media sponsor was Renda Broadcasting and a $5,000 grant was awarded to Collier Harvest. Collier Harvest provides healthy and nutritious snacks to our hungry neighbors across Collier County. They are a source of food provisions for 40 agencies that support thousands of families in our community.

The Great Dock Canoe Race will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. The event is scheduled to take place on May 14, 2016.

ABOUT THE DOCK AT CRAYTON COVE

Located on 12th Avenue South at the City Dock, The Dock at Crayon Cove is a little piece of Naples’ history – in fact, for lots of locals and visitors, we’re practically part of the family.  As The Real Taste of Naples®, The Dock offers guests what Naples is all about – Bay views, great food and a laid-back attitude. A trip to Naples just isn’t complete without a visit to the Dock.  Open at 11:00 a.m. for lunch, raw bar, and dinner daily, and for Naples-style Sunday Brunch with a Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar at 10:30 a.m. For more information visit dockcraytoncove.com or call 239-263-9940.

ABOUT RIVERWALK AT TIN CITY

Located at 1200 5th Avenue South and overlooking the Gordon River, Riverwalk is part of Naples’ past.  Tin City, the quaint shopping area in which we’re located, was built in the 1940s as a working dock and the site of Doxsee’s Clam Factory.  Today, planked floors, maritime artifacts, and handrails and doors carved by artist Clint Beatty echo this rich history.  Tourists and residents alike make Riverwalk a getaway from the everyday. Open at 11:00 a.m. for lunch, raw bar, and dinner daily, and at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays for Brunch with a Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar.  For more information please visit riverwalktincity.com or call 239-263-2734.