On Saturday, May 11 the Bronx River Alliance hosted our 14th Annual Amazing Bronx River Flotilla and the first ever Starlight 5K Canoe Challenge at the new Starlight Park. The event was a huge success thanks to the many sponsors, volunteers, paddlers, and community residents who came out amidst a forecast that predicted thunderstorms and flash flooding.

The canoe relay challenge featured 74 individuals on eight teams who raised nearly $40,000 combined, well over our $20,000 goal. All funds raised will help support our Bronx River Education Programs and make canoeing on the Bronx River available to families and youth. In addition, the Alliance launched our first ever membership campaign, bringing in our first 14 members and generating nearly a thousand dollars in contributions.

There were plenty of fun and free on-land activities to busy the hundreds of people in attendance including live music and performances by Afro-Puerto Rican performance troupe, Bomba Yo!, art and crafts for the kiddies, fishing instruction, bike loan-outs, and bird watching.

For those that didn't race, there were many opportunities to get out on the water once the canoe challenge was completed. Volunteers helped amateur and seasoned paddlers board canoes for a light paddle along the relay circuit.

Even as the fate of the Flotilla looked uncertain, all events carried on as planned and we made it through to the end, just in time for a heavy downpour at exactly 4pm. Our team and all the individuals involved in this year's event pulled together and made it another memorable Bronx River Flotilla.

(Scroll down for photos)

Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 Amazing Bronx River Flotilla!
1st Place.....................Into the Woods.......................................55m 22s
2nd Place....................Paddle and Conquer.................................56m 05s
3rd Place.....................Bisons....................................................57m 38s
4th Place.....................Christodora.............................................1h 00m 19s
5th Place.....................Sink or Swim...........................................1h 01m 10s
6th Place.....................Out of the Woods.....................................1h 01m 51s
7th Place.....................Eager Beaver...........................................1h 02m 51s
8th Place.....................Farm School............................................(did not finish final leg)

Honorable Mentions for Successful Fundraising: Christodora, Sink or Swim and Superior Apartments
Top Three Fundraisers: Ira Wagner, Eliza Davison and Raymond DiPrinzio
Most Valuable Captain: Judith Rivkin
Fastest Leg: Jeremy Greenfield/Noah Heller (9m 59s) and Caleb McClennen/Merry Camhi (10m 0s)
Wettest Participants: Caleb McClennen and Merry Camhi
Best Sportsmanship: Raeford Dwyer

2013 Amazing Bronx River Flotilla Photos
(Click on thumbnails for larger image.)

Thank You To:

Our In-kind Donors
Bank of America,Clif Bar,Citi Bike,
Garyline,New York Botanical Garden, New York Yankees,
North Face, Patagonia and Trader Joe's.

Special Thanks for Volunteer Paddle Support From:
Sebago Canoe Club, North Brooklyn Canoe Club, Christodora, Harbor Lab,
Lia Lynn, Aphrodite Montalvo, and Jenn Ukeritis

More THANK YOUs:
City Parks and Recreation Department staff for keeping Starlight Park looking great, and for leading birdwatching tours.
Velo City, Bike the Bronx and Elizabeth Hamby for volunteer bike support
Stephen DeVillo - Volunteer Ramble Leader
Charles Berenguer - Photographer
BombaYo!
Bronx Children's Museum
Bronx High School for Law and Community Service
buildOn
Changing the Odds
Mike Gupta,
I Fish New York
Nilka Martel and the Friends of Starlight Park
NYC Department of City Planning and Sustainable South Bronx