Callie Rohr Memorial Canoe Race to be held June 21

The 20th Callie Rohr Memorial Canoe Race will take place on Saturday, June 21, at Rohr’s Wilderness Tours (RWT), 5230 Razorback Road, in Conover.

The annual race raises money for pediatric brain cancer. To date, the event has raised over $250,000 to help fund research for a cure.

The day includes three canoeing and kayaking events on the Wisconsin River. Participants can choose from “Paddle for the Cure,” a 1.5-mile paddle, or “The Callie,” an 8- or 25-mile one-day race on the historic Headwaters of the Wisconsin River.

“This beautiful, fast, and wild stream, with lots of challenging turns and obstacles, makes for an exciting and fascinating race,” said organizers. “This is the most spectacular part of the river, and you don’t want to miss an opportunity to paddle it.”

The 25-mile race begins at 8 a.m., and the 8-mile race begins at 9 a.m., both from the RWT boat landing.

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend. The day begins with breakfast served by the Conover Lions Club at 7 a.m., featuring eggs, sausage, crepes, toast, orange juice, and coffee. Lunch will be available at the RWT campground.

“The Callie” includes 13 race classes. Spectators can view the action at key spots along the route, including the Rummels Road bridge, Heart Lake landing, County K bridge, and the Highway G landing, where the race concludes. Awards will be presented to the winners in each class.

“Paddle for the Cure,” a noncompetitive paddle, begins at 2:30 p.m. from the RWT boat landing. It features Ledges and Coal, two social media-famous cats followed by thousands on Instagram and Facebook at #blackcattrails. Individuals, businesses, co-workers, and even local officials are invited to challenge each other and join in support of the cause. The excitement builds at Rummels Road as participants finish the 1.5-mile course.

New this year is a 3K Trail Run/Walk at 10 a.m. through Rohr’s Forty-Acre Woods. Registration is available the day of the event or in advance by calling 715-547-3639. The fee is $30.

Spectators can enjoy beverages and RWT amenities throughout the day. A pig roast will be held at 5 p.m., followed by awards, a live auction, and music. Beverages will be available at reasonable prices all afternoon and evening.

In 2024, the event raised $17,500. Organizer Marcia Rohr said, “Alone, there is only so much you can do, but together, we can move a mountain.”

For more information, visit rwtcanoe.com/canoerace.htm.