A large amount of kayakers at the Greenhouse Park wave during the Stonycreek Rendezvous.

Stonycreek Rendezvous to bring hundreds of whitewater enthusiasts to Johnstown

May 15-18 event set for Greenhouse Park

JOHNSTOWN: The Stonycreek Rendezvous will sweep into Greenhouse Park May 15–18, bringing more than 1,000 whitewater enthusiasts from 10 states. Now in its 35th year, the three-day festival is designed to showcase the whitewater opportunities available in our area to seasoned boaters as well as newcomers to the sport.

The event is the signature initiative of the Benscreek Canoe Club, a membership-based nonprofit organization that organized in 1970 to promote the enjoyment, challenge, safety, and camaraderie of kayaking and canoeing, and to advocate for stream access, whitewater and conservation dam releases, and the remediation of environmental threats.

Funds raised by the Stonycreek Rendezvous are used to pay for whitewater releases from the Quemahoning Reservoir, thus allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the sport more often.

“We’re looking forward to a great Rendezvous and continued growth of opportunities to enjoy whitewater in Johnstown,” noted Steve Podratsky, vice president of the club.

“The Rendezvous is always a great time, with paddlers who come back year after year, and we’re hoping to also introduce the sport to locals who are interested but don’t know how to get started,” Podratsky added. “We are excited that our downwater race will mark the conclusion of the four-race Headwaters Cup, and we’ll crown the champion at the conclusion.”

Three-day admission to the event is $10, while camping is $15. For the first time this year, tickets or camping may be purchased in advance on the event’s website at www.benscreekcanoeclub.com. All purchases at the event, including admission, beer, and vendor food, must be made with cash as lack of internet access prevents the use of credit/debit cards.

Dogs are welcome onsite but must be leashed.

WHITEWATER EVENTS

In addition to paddling on the river all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, there will be two organized whitewater events. Online registration is available at www.benscreekcanoeclub.com.

Headwaters Cup Downriver Race, 4:30–5:30 pm registration on Friday, with the race beginning at 6:00 pm: Part of the Immersion Research Headwaters Racing series, the race covers 3.5 miles of pool drop whitewater, and will be divided into categories based on type of boat and number of participants.

Freestyle Rodeo, 1:30–2:30 pm registration at the Greenhouse Park wave, with the rodeo beginning at 2:30 pm: The Saturday afternoon rodeo pits boaters against each other in a competition for the most and varied tricks in the wave at Greenhouse Park. The event will be judged in different classes divided by skill and experience level, considering trick difficulty, variety, and style. Free registration.

ENTERTAINMENT

The public is invited to come out and enjoy live music at the Rendezvous, which will be presented at the main pavilion at Greenhouse Park. Cover is $5, payable at the door.

Dave D Quartet: David DiStefano is one of Johnstown’s best-known musicians, and this four-piece acoustic electric band is one of his many projects. 8:00–11:00 pm, Friday.

Thorn Bush feat. Spinellis: This Americana band is based in Windber. 4:00–7:00 pm, Saturday.

Hickory Bottom Band: Tight three-part harmonies, sweet pickin’, and lots of down-home energy are the hallmarks of this outstanding western Pennsylvania-based band. From bluegrass classics to grassy versions of modern hits, Hickory Bottom Band does it right! 8:00–11:00 pm, Saturday.

In addition, the film First Waves will be shown on Saturday night during the first set break by Hickory Bottom Band, showcasing the First Waves mission. First Waves is a program of the Watersmith Guild that improves the lives of young people through arts and adventure programming, and inspires watershed conservation in the process. For more information, visit https://www.watersmithguild.org/firstwavesjohnstown.

VENDORS

In honor of the Rendezvous, Stone Bridge Brewing Company will be serving a locally brewed beer, “Eddy Out,” as part of its “Surf Lab” tart IPA series. The beer will be on sale at the Rendezvous, and a portion of the year-round proceeds will go to the Benscreek Canoe Club.

Ace Adventure Gear will be onsite selling various whitewater apparel and boats. Food vendors include the Grumbling Gypsy, Pappy D’s Barbecue, Rosalinda’s Express, and Imperfect Pizza. Fuhrer Wholesale and Beverage will be providing six draft beers with proceeds benefitting the Stonycreek River. A raffle of whitewater gear will be held, along with a 50/50 drawing.

STEWARDSHIP EVENTS

The Watersmith Guild is leading these events, which are designed to help care for the natural environment in which the Rendezvous takes place. Training will also be provided to First Waves volunteers and mentors.

  • Tree Planting and Conservation Mini-Hike: Friday, May 16, 10:00 am to Noon

    Location: Coal Tubin (100 Station Street)

  • Downriver Paddle & Stream Cleanup: Friday, May 16, 2:00–4:00 PM

    Location: Meeting at Greenhouse Park (downriver side of the park)

The Stonycreek Rendezvous is sponsored by Frank Fuhrer Wholesale Beverage, ACE Adventure Gear, American Eagle Screen Print, AmeriServ, Jackson Kayak, and Highwater Hobbies. The Keel-Haulers Canoe Club from Cleveland is sponsoring the Saturday/Sunday whitewater release.

Established in 1970, the Benscreek Canoe Club is a membership-based nonprofit organization that promotes the enjoyment, challenge, safety, and camaraderie of kayaking and canoeing, and advocates for stream access, whitewater/conservation dam releases, and the remediation of environmental threats. In addition to the Stonycreek Rendezvous, the organization’s activities include kayak roll classes, the Kiski-Conemaugh Canoe Sojourn, volunteer river cleanup events, and more. Meetings are held regularly and are open to all who are interested in learning more about the sport. For more information or to become a member, visit benscreekcanoeclub.com. For more information specifically about the Stonycreek Rendezvous, including how to register for the various whitewater events, visit stonycreekrendezvous.com.