HARTLAND — Hartland’s annual Bark River Bash will take place at Nixon Park on May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., benefiting the Hartland Public Library Children’s Area. The event began in 2021 as a way to celebrate the work done by a Bark River clean up committee, says Jim Muenzenberger, president of the Kiwanis of Greater Hartland.
"We got involved with clearing a lot of downed wood … and buckthorn, eradicated invasive species," he said. "We decided, well, what could we do to celebrate that now we’ve got a very pristine-looking waterway coming through most of the extension of our village?"
The Kiwanis group organizes two big parts of the event: The rubber duck derby and the canoe and kayak run.
"We dump a bunch of ducks in the river. They’re numbered and then (we) give out prizes for the number of ducks that make it down. We do a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and last place for our ducks," he said. Ducks are released into the water at 12 p.m. and are expected to finish their route by 12:30 p.m.
You can purchase duck tickets ahead of the event at the library, Bank Five Nine, Tabi’s Lake Country or other participating businesses, or at the Nixon Park Pavilion during the event. $5 for one ticket, or $20 for five. Muenzenberger said there are only 1,000 tickets available. If your duck doesn’t win, don’t worry, because your ticket is still entered into a raffle, although you must be present to win.
The Bark River Bash kayak and canoe run begins at 9 a.m., with the last boats dropping into the water at 11 a.m. so as to not disturb the rubber ducks.
"For the most part, people bring their own watercraft," said Muenzenberger. "Some people even use paddle boards. We’ve seen all kinds of things come down. … There’s a group called KT Kayak rentals and she usually provides a few watercraft for people that they can rent."
Almost 90 people went down the river in year one. The past two years haven’t been as sunny, and only 35-40 people participated. "We’re hoping for a good day," he said.
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., there will be live music from A Little Bit of Heaven, a beer garden provided by Endter’s, face painting, and new this year, a bounce house and inflatable obstacle course for the kids. "Star Wars" costumes are welcome for this year’s coincidental celebration of "May the Fourth Be With You".
The Hartland Business Improvement District is the Kiwanis of Greater Hartland’s partner for the event, hosting a craft and vendor sale with over 50 vendors and coordinating raffle prizes.
When asked if he has a favorite part, Muenzenberger said he likes it all.
"I’m usually in the water," he explained that he helps people in and out of their canoes and kayaks, and then camps out by where the ducks are collected after the race. The Kiwanis team is fairly small, only 13 members currently.
"We get an awful lot done for the size group that we have," he remarked. Some students from Arrowhead High School help out the day of the event, as well as Kiwanis members’ spouses. Area Boy Scouts helped clear the river prior to the event, and the Hartland Fire Department assists with keeping the river run safe. "We always can happily take on some volunteers and even grow our Kiwanis group."