HELENA New Canoe/Kayak Outfitter Grand Opening 06/27-28

[seark]

Grand Opening: Quapaw Canoe Company, Helena, Arkansas Friday June 27 & Saturday, June 28, 2008All Day 7am-7pm411 Ohio Street in downtown Helena “Bringing the River back to the peopleBringing the people back to the River” On Friday June 27, 2008, Quapaw Canoe Company in conjunction with the American Land Conservancy will be opening the first Canoe & Kayak Rental outfit on the Lower Mississippi River. This is an exciting development for Helena, which is the only city that actually sits on the main channel of the Mississippi River (in the 300 miles between Memphis & Vicksburg). This is a boon the Lower Mississippi River, the last great wilderness in the heart of the deep south. Doors open at 411 Ohio Street 7am-6pm. Turn off historic Cherry Street onto Rightor Street, come around the back and look for the blue door with all of the canoes & kayaks. On display: photos, art-work & literature pertaining to the Lower Mississippi River, also wall-sized maps and river charts. Information aboutBuck Island, the American Land Conservancy, and the Lower Mississippi River Boating & Fishing Trail. Canoe & Kayak rentals all day. Free Canoeing & Kayaking demonstration with the Mighty Quapaws (apprenticeship program for Delta youth) all day in Helena Harbor. Canoe Rescue Workshop led by John Ruskey ($25). Canoes provided by Bell Canoe Works of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Kayaks by Current Designs of Winona, Minnesota. Ropes, life jackets, and accessories from Northwest River Supplies of Moscow, Idaho. Live Music: 3pm-6pm music, refreshments & opening celebration with live downhome Mississippi River blues by Bill Able, Tater the Music Maker, Brad Bishop and grand finale Live Soul featuring Phillip Stackhouse, the grandson of legendary Arkansas blues artist Houston Stackhouse (not confirmed). Canoes & Kayaks will be available for rent all day Friday & Saturday 7am to 7pm. Life Jackets & paddles and all necessary safety equipment included. Prices vary with type of vessel. Enter the river in the protected waters of the Helena Harbor and paddle one mile along theArkansas shoreline to beautiful Buck Island. Quapaw Helena will be open 6 days a week Monday through Saturday hereinafter, and select Sundays, and always available for special tours, youth groups, church groups, and any others who might not be able to arrive during normal business hours. Call 870-228-2266 for arrangements. Saturday, June 28th, there will be guided tours of the Mississippi River with river veteran John Ruskey & his apprentices the Mighty Quapaws from the mouth of the St. Francis River 9 miles downstream to the Helena Harbor with a visit to Buck Island. Leave from 411 Ohio Street at 7am and 3pm. Return to same at 11am and 7pm. $55 by canoe. $75 by kayak. All inclusive. Contact John Fewkes (870) 228-2266 for more information about Quapaw Canoe Company Helena. For information about Buck Island and the American Land Conservancy contact Tim Richardson (202) 352-1269. Quapaw Canoe Company is celebrating its 10th anniversary year in 2008. For questions about outfitting & guiding on the Lower Mississippi River and all other matters, please contact owner John Ruskey (662) 902-7841 or email john@island63.com

[Minna Ulmer]

Thanks for your post!I just LOVE Helena. I have been going to their blues festival for 6-8 years. I am looking forward to visiting the new outfitter.I grew up in the Mississippi delta so I am so happy to see these places get an economic boost. The blues festival is AWESOME,and usually first weekend in Oct. Minna