Banderdinker paddle event returns to Hayward, Wis., June 9

The Banderdinker, an 8K paddle around the big island in Nelson Lake near Hayward, Wisconsin, is a semi-silent event. The silent part would be the mode of transportation chosen by participants: kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. The not-so-silent part would be the banjos and fiddles serenading them all the way to the finish line.

The inaugural Banderdinker held last year attracted 160 paddlers. When it takes place on June 9, it will again welcome people of all ages, not bill itself as a terribly serious race (although serious enough to require racers to attach numbers to their vessels).

Clearly those who enjoyed the 2011 Banderdinker the most were those who stopped to listen to the music at the banjo and fiddle station and stopped to talk to the volunteers handing out muffins, fruit, water and a token to take home with them. They connected with nature, each other and with the beautiful music.

With "Dinker" and "Dash the Dinker" divisions, both racers and leisurely paddlers will be will amongst their own.

All proceeds from the volunteer-run event will go to charity, namely the Hayward Community Food Shelf, Northwoods Strings and the Hayward Boy Scout Troop 70. If you would like to know more, go to www.banderdinker.com.