Each year, Loon Callers paddle the lake on the Saturday (unless it’s raining, then the Sunday) of the July Long Weekend, or sit on their dock awaiting visitors. This tradition was started as the Pandemic Paddle during the Covid Pandemic of 2020 to 2022, when physical and social distancing protocols were in place, making it illegal to meet in large groups, and therefore putting a pause on our Regattand Corn Roast. It enabled us to meet without being close, and contribute to the community by collecting food. When the pandemic restrictions were lifted, we decided we liked the tradition so much that we would continue it, renaming it the Paddle Palooza.
2024 – Paddle Palooza
A little bit of rain may have held us off for a day, but couldn’t stop us completely. A record amount of food was collected. Two full bins and two large boxes. North Kawartha Food Bank was very grateful.
2023 – renamed! The Pandemic is over! It’s now the Paddle Palooza
Back in the Paddle again, and so thankful the pandemic is behind us! A thunderstorm was threatened, but that was not to be. We weren’t daunted. Out in full force. Two packed full bins of food were collected for the food drive.
2022 – Pandemic Paddle #3
Third year of the pandemic, and we’re kind of done with it! But, the show will go on
2021 – Pandemic Paddle #2
Are we still in a Pandemic?