Here's a great way to get in the holiday spirit, while supporting a good cause, and getting out in your kayak. If you're in the Northern California area on Dec. 13, make sure to take part in the First Annual Kayakers 4 Kids Decorated Christmas Parade down the Sacramento River.
The event, which benefits the UC Davis Children's Hospital, will include paddlers decorating their kayaks in all forms of holiday cheer, including antlers, lights, angel wings and other decorations.
Starting just after dark, paddlers will launch from the Virgin Sturgeon Restaurant on the Sacramento's banks. The route will go about a quarter mile downstream along a course that's the closest thing to Riviera waterfront California's Central Valley has to offer. Get details here.
My inside sources also tell me that the world's most magical paddler will be in his boat, presumably a red one. Unverified at this point is whether Santa will be able to get all eight of his reindeer in kayaks as well, or how proficient his hoofed helpers are with a paddle.
During the parade, donations of toys will be collected for children who are in UC Davis Children's hospital over the holidays. One of Northern California's most comprehensive medical facilities for children, UC Davis Children's hospital cares for more than 100,000 children each year with conditions such as autism, asthma, obesity, cancer and birth defects.
Paddlers should bring their skills -- the event isn't intended for novices -- a decorated kayak, and toys to donate to the cause. Even if you're not in Sacramento on Saturday, you can help kids in the hospital over the holidays at the UC Davis Children's Web site.
Sponsored by the Children's Miracle Network, the event is spearheaded by Tom and Carrie Muntz, two NorCal paddlers with a history of serving the community. Tom's a retired California Highway Patrol officer, while Carrie is a post-anesthesia care nurse nurse at the hospital, where she's worked for 27 years.
"Being stuck in the hospital at Christmas is tough on anybody," Carrie said in a post on the hospital's Web site. "But when we give them Christmas presents they get so excited. We know that it makes a big difference in their hospital stay."
I guess I'll have to get out that Christmas wreath that's been sitting in my attic, and put the day-glow sticks on my paddle. See you there!
