Annual Festival surrounding the world renowned AuSable River Canoe Marathon. The festival includes an arts & crafts show, car show, parade and other activities.

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is exceptional among endurance sport competitions in many respects. More than 80 professional two-person canoe racing teams from throughout the U.S. and Canada are entered. They will paddle at an amazing rate of 50-80 paddle strokes per minute for 14 to 19 hours in sleek hi-tech carbon-fiber racing canoes that weigh less than 30 pounds, some costing $5,000 or more.

Thousands of fans follow the action from the frenzied LeMans-style running start to the river that begins the race, on to viewing locations at bridges, public access points and dam portages to cheer on the teams throughout the race. Thousands more fans encourage the competitors from riverfront cabins and homes along the fabled AuSable River, many being the site of Marathon parties where family and friends gather to catch a glimpse of the action. Up to 50,000 fans are expected to view at least some part of the race.

[caption id="attachment_58870" align="alignright" width="300"] AuSable River Canoe Marathon[/caption]