Sep 27, 2016 3 min read

Pirates, monsters and ghosts will invade Ten Mile Creek next week during a Halloween-themed boat race near Clarksville.

Residents from both Washington and Greene counties will wear costumes during the first-ever fall canoe and kayak race Oct. 8, put on by the Marianna Outdoorsmen Association in partnership with East Bethlehem Township.

“We’re really pleased that we’re able to partner with another municipality and expand what we do,” said Jason White, president of the Outdoorsmen Association. “We’re excited to get the first year under our belts.”

White said his nonprofit organization holds a canoe “and anything else that floats” race every spring in at a different spot on the Ten Mile Creek. He said that over the 10 years they’ve been hosting it, it’s become the largest boat race in the state. During this past spring’s race, the group had 209 boats participate, he said.

“The spring race has a costume contest too, but we’ll really be pushing for that for the fall race since it’s geared to the Halloween theme,” White said

White said the association decided to start a race in the fall after seeing the success of the spring race.

“More or less, the spring race opens up the boating season, and this one will be closing it out, in a way,” he said.

The race will begin at 11 a.m. on the creek in Clarksville, last for about two miles and end at Greene Cove Yacht Club. About 30 people have registered so far and White said he expects about 30 to 50 boats to participate. People will need to bring their own boats.

Those interested can register at www.mariannaoutdoors.com or in person from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at Greene Cove Yacht Club. Registration for event is $25 for members of the Outdoors Association or $30 for nonmembers. Registration the day of the event will cost an additional $5.

The money will go toward improvements to the area along Ten Mile Creek in East Bethlehem.

“The township is trying to invest in recreation to try to reinvent themselves,” White said. “We’re not the industrial belt that we used to be, so when people see the success of places like Ohiopyle, they’re a little more open to change. And everyone likes to have a good time.”

The race will be followed by a festival with vendors, music and food during the announcement of the winners.

“Hopefully, we’ll have good weather and people will be outside all day,” White said. “We look at every outlet we can to get people outside to breathe the fresh air.”