Arts + Culture


Naples Junior Chamber 'Energized for the Task' of Reviving Canoe Race

Founders of the Great Dock Canoe Race hung up their paddles in May, but now will pass them on to the junior chamber.

BY August 15, 2016

 

It’s back!

Anyone who was lamenting the end of the Great Dock Canoe Race, that 40-year Naples tradition started by restaurateur Vin DePasquale, can prepare to pick up their paddles and pack their picnics again.

The Naples Jaycees (the local chapter of Junior Chamber International) have been meeting with DePasquale, owner of The Dock at Crayton Cove and Riverwalk at Tin City, and he’s agreed to entrust them with reviving the race.

“The Great Dock Canoe Race was designed to celebrate the heart of Naples, our community and its residents,” DePasquale says in a statement released on Monday. “It’s been my pleasure and honor to work with so many individuals and businesses over the years to produce this event and support local nonprofits along the way. I am pleased that the Naples Junior Chamber has decided to continue this tradition and that more good work can be done as a result.”

The race, per tradition, will be held at Crayton Cove, and proceeds will benefit a children’s charity.

“We look forward to working with Vin DePasquale and his team to ensure that the Great Dock Canoe Race not only continues its 40-year tradition, but also grows with the expanding Naples community for years to come,” says Matthew P. Flores, Esq., president of the Naples Junior Chamber.  “As local young professionals, we are energized for the task of making sure the Great Dock Canoe Race retains its status as the best event in Naples.”
 

 

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