The beginning of whitewater season in the Adirondacks will be celebrated again this year with the 53rd edition of the Hudson River Whitewater Derby in North Creek, Warren County.

Canoe and kayak enthusiasts have braved the rapids of the Upper Hudson River in the whitewater derby since 1958. Every year the Derby is hosted on the first full weekend in May.

This year the Slalom and Giant Slalom races are scheduled for Saturday, May 1st in North River. The Downriver race is scheduled for Sunday May 2nd, running from North Creek village to Riparius. Spectators can view the exciting Slalom races on Saturday from vantage points right along Rt. 28 in North River, just North of the village of North Creek. Sunday’s race is best viewed by walking up river in Riparius to view the end of the downriver race and the Spruce Mt. Rapids. Start time is 11 am on both days of racing.

New this year, the Whitewater Derby has teamed up with the Gore Region Chamber of Commerce to inaugurate the first annual Adirondack Adventure Festival in the village of North Creek. The festival will feature exhibits from DEC and the Adirondack Museum, live music, guided bike rides and hikes, bounce house for the kids, Helicopter rides, and outdoor demonstrations, kayak and raft rides and lots more.

For Whitewater Derby race registration and information visit www.whitewaterderby.com. Additional Adirondack Adventure Festival information is available at www.gorechamber.com

Call the Gore Region Chamber for information about any of the weekend activities or Whitewater Derby race registration 518-251-2612.