Here are my best photos from this year’s Kenduskeag Canoe Race

BANGOR, Maine — I normally report stories and shoot pictures for this newspaper at the other end of the state, in my hometown of Portland. I don’t often get the chance to come up this way with my camera.

That’s usually fine by me.

I love Portland. It’s got just about everything: Interesting people, the ocean, the islands, food from around the world and one of the finest minor league baseball teams in the nation.

But it doesn’t have anything like the Kenduskeag Canoe Race — and that’s a problem.

In a state that’s rapidly running low on genuine, exciting community traditions yet to be taken over by insurance liability spreadsheets and corporate money sponsors, the race stands out as a true Maine gem.

Like the hometown greased pole climbs, lobster crate races, ox pulls and woodsmen’s crosscut saw competitions of old, the Kenduskeag Canoe Race is still an authentic test of skill and endurance. It attracts seasoned paddlers and amateurs alike, who brave the frigid waters just for fun, bragging rights and a sense of accomplishment.

Getting to see all of that through my camera again this year was awesome.

I loved watching the racers line up and then take off down the stream in Kenduskeag, paddling for all they were worth. It was a thrill to stand on the bridge with my longest lens and witness the triumph and tragedy of Six Mile Falls unfold below me. Then, hearing the whoops, cheers and clanging bells at the finish line in downtown Bangor, gave me the chills, in the best way possible.

And then there were the Mainers I got to meet.

I talked to one whole family paddling the race in two canoes, dressed as pirates. I also met an 8-year-old boy watching the race for the first time. He was in heaven. So was I, even though my boots were wet and it was pouring rain.

At the end of the race, there were three teenage girls, all dressed in Goth black, leaning over the rail, encouraging the racers to paddle hard — while also complementing their various outfits and hats.

Trust me, I’ve been all over Maine. There’s nothing quite like this anywhere else.

So, if you’re from Bangor, be proud. Support your Parks and Recreation Department, which puts the race on every year. Maybe even offer to volunteer next year.

If you’re like me and not from around here, make an effort to get to Bangor and watch this crazy race in 2025. Then, go back home and help start a similar tradition in your city or town.

Anyway, without further ado, here are my best pictures from the 2024 Kenduskeag Canoe Race. Thanks Bangor, I hope I see you again next April.