SPORTS – Rolling on the river

Abe’s River Race, an American Canoe Association sanctioned six-mile canoe and kayak race put on by Lincoln Heritage Water Trail Association, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, on the Sangamon River in Menard County. Racing and recreational canoe and kayak divisions will leave from Gudeel Bridge Road and end at Grist Mill, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. Shuttles will be provided from Riverbank Lodge in Petersburg, the host site where participants register and sign in and return for the post-race awards and celebration. The public is invited to the outdoor party at the lodge and there’s no admission fee. Live music starts at 3 p.m. with Whirled Peas and Ran$om at 7 p.m. Jaycees, Rotary Club and others will have food for purchase. Some seating is available but you can bring your lawn chair. Those wishing to view racers on the river can visit Pritchetville or the New Salem boat launch and park. All proceeds go to LHWT which is planning annual races with a huge race in 2015 to commemorate the original 65-mile trek on the river. Visit lincolnheritagewatertrail.org to register or for more info.