Honesdale Area Jaycees host 2026 Wayne County Canoe Classic

WHITE MILLS — After several weeks of unseasonably cold conditions, the weather finally decided to cooperate this past weekend so that local folks could enjoy one of NEPA’s traditional rites of spring.

On Saturday, May 2, the Honesdale Area Jaycees hosted the 2026 Wayne County Canoe Classic, attracting whitewater enthusiasts from near and far.

This year’s edition of the event had originally been scheduled for April 25, but had to be postponed. Thankfully, the skies cleared a week later and all systems were go for one of the Jaycees’ most popular annual functions.

Nearly 50 kayaks and canoes were entered in the race, which covers just over nine miles along the Dyberry Creek and Lackawaxen River.

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“I remember doing the race with my Dad when I was a little kid,” said Jaycee Taylor Ellis, who organized the event. “I always looked forward to it and I was really excited to help pull it all together this year.”

All funds generated through the Canoe Classic go right back into a fund that helps make other community events possible. Next on the agenda is the wildly popular food stand at the Wayne County Fair, which is slated for Aug. 7-15.

Running the rapids

The Wayne County Canoe Classic has been a staple of the local spring sports schedule for nearly four decades.

As best anyone can remember, the event got its start back in the 1980s. It was eventually taken over by the Jaycees about 30 years ago and has grown by leaps and bounds.

Meet the top three finishers in the Wayne County Canoe Classic's Open Racing division. Pictured are (from left): Dave Gustin, Holley Reynolds, John Finnen on May 2, 2026.

“The Canoe Classic is one of our most anticipated events of the year,” current Jaycees president Chris Novoa said. “We are eternally grateful for the continued support we receive from many local businesses year in and year out.”

The 2026 race began at 11 a.m. on the banks of the Dyberry Creek near the Wayne County Fairgrounds. The course itself runs a total of nine miles, ending at a brand new boat launch in White Mills.

John Dunkleberger turned in the top performance of the day, covering the course in a time of 1:06:15 as part of the Men’s Solo Competitive Kayak division.

Honesdale High School football legend Mike Cook and teammate Karl Terry cross the finish line in White Mills at the 2026 Wayne County Canoe Classic on May 2.

John Finnen, Kyle Rosler, Rachel James, Levi Propst and Luke O’Neill, Isaiah Morgan, Dave and Edward Sporer, Brian and Paula Ammon were also victorious in their respective divisions.

“We are equally appreciative for all the participants,” Novoa said. “From the first-timers to those who circle the date on their calendar to start each year — we appreciate them all.”

Official race results

•Open Racing: John Finnen (1:09:42); Dave Gustin (1:12:58); Holley Reynolds (1:16:15); Harrison Balthaser (1:28:04); Robert O’Leary (1:43:03); Cathy O’Leary (1:43:05).

•Men’s Solo Recreational Kayak: Kyle Rosler (1:25:22); Charlie Anderson (1:26:54); Jack Costello (1:27:27); Connor Eisele (1:28:17); Eli Tomlinson (1:39:00).

Powering their way to the top two spots in the Parent-Child Class at the 2026 Wayne County Canoe Classic were: Dave and Edward Sporer, Steve and Emma Propst.

•Men’s Solo Competive Kayak: John Dunkleberger (1:06:15); Daniel Harmon (1:10:19); Rodger Claar (1:20:25); Don McConaghy (1:21:37); Francis Cerra (1:32:50); Daven Good (1:33:58).

•Women’s Solo: Rachel James (1:24:07); Eloise Chrobak (1:34:37); Megan Rosler (1:36:49); Robin Rosler (1:37:12); Clel Tomlinson (1:38:06); Julia Eisele (1:38:29); Alicia Utegg (1:39:05); Robin Mead (1:48:38); Jamie Ostrander (1:49:09); Dawn Costello (1:51:01).

•Two-Person Canoe: Levi Propst and Luke O’Neill (1:26:36); Ronald DePasquale and Dan Barnes (1:27:10); Michael Cook and Karl Terry (2:04:01).

•Junior High-High School: Isaiah Morgan (1:47:15); Ashlynn Morgan (1:48:49).

•Parent-Child: Steve Propst (1:27:37); Dave and Edward Sporer (1:33:01).

•Co-Ed Canoe: Brian and Paula Ammon (1:32:00).

“What I'm most proud of with the Canoe Classic is its evolution over the years,” Novoa said. “It was once just a nice modest fundraiser, but our committee members have turned it into one of the most fun events of the year.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale Area Jaycees host the 2026 Wayne County Canoe Classic