Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race

We begin with this simple truth: without Lewellyn "Spook" Gilman and Edwin "Sonny" Colburn, the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race wouldn't exist.

The founding fathers of the race - both of whom are depicted on the iconic race decals - came up with the idea seemingly overnight in 1967 at a time when Bangor Parks and Recreation needed a new fundraising event. A bicycle race the city had previously sponsored "went zilch", according to Sonny Colburn, so the concept had to be reworked. The rest, as they say, is history.

Ed "Sonny" Colburn passed at age 93 on February 20, 2026. Sonny grew up in Bangor and has been described by many as a gregarious man with "a big personality" who loved his family and the outdoors. "He was a great guy. He would do anything for anyone," recalled his wife Faith. Colburn managed Bangor Furniture and pursued many outdoor interests in addition to his association with the Anah Shriners in Bangor.

Lew Gilman, who passed away at age 81 on August 18, 2011, led a remarkable life of innovation. Gifted with a natural grasp of mechanics, chemistry and plastics, Gilman designed and influenced several canoes for Old Town Canoe including the ubiquitous Discovery model and the popular Tripper model among others. In his obituary it was noted that Lew "revolutionized the canoe industry by revamping the thermoforming process for ABS plastic canoes."

Gilman and Colburn met while in high school and again later while both served in the Air National Guard, where they strengthened their friendship. A devoted family man who loved the outdoors and inventing things, Gilman's favorite saying was "the impossible just takes longer."

After the two met over beers at Miller's Restaurant to discuss the concept of the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, it was Lew Gilman who pushed and prodded Colburn into pursuing the idea with Bangor Parks and Recreation, then located just "three doors down" from Bangor Furniture.

When the inaugural race launched in 1967, Colburn was often too busy organizing the race to actually participate in it. But Colburn and Gilman did paddle the Kenduskeag together as a team a number of times, including the 25th Silver Anniversary Race held in 1991.

“It’s amazing what I’ve heard from people sending condolences and the stories that I’ve gotten from them that I never even knew. (I learned about) the extent to how it benefited them,” said Faith. "It was just the most important thing in the world to him, he and Lew starting that race. He ate, slept, and dreamt Kenduskeag Canoe Race."

Over half a century later, the dream of Lew Gilman and Sonny Colburn lives on.

“Lew and Sonny were definitely the icons of this race…(Sonny) came in here every year. He will always be remembered.”
- Debbie Gendreau, Assistant Director, Bangor Parks and Recreation

“We owe a lot to them, what they did to get this race started and to the longevity of the race. To have this still going for over 50 years is truly a testament to them and to what they did to develop this event. They are legends of canoeing in the area and in the state.”
- Tracy Willette, Director, Bangor Parks and Recreation

“I think the spectators are what makes the race so much fun. They make the race special.”
- Lew "Spook" Gilman

"I want everybody to have a good time and smile, even if they're going to get wet."
- Ed "Sonny" Colburn

Remembering Edwin "Sonny" Colburn (1932-2026)
News story from WABI-TV5 about the co-founder of the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race with remembrances by his wife (Faith Colburn) and friends (JR Mabee and Debbie Gendreau)
Running time: 2:32 min

Remembering Edwin "Sonny" Colburn (1932-2026)
News Center Maine tribute to the legendary co-founder of the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
Running time: 00:52 sec

Bangor Parks & Recreation released the 2026 online registration and entry/waiver form for the 59th Annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race today.

The race will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 11am starting in the Town of Kenduskeag.

2026 online registration and information (Bangor Parks and Recreation)

Downloadable 2026 entry and waiver form (PDF file)
Important note: The canoe race entry/waiver form must also be completed and e-mailed, mailed or brought to the Parks & Recreation office - even if you register online.

Overview map of race course (PDF file)

So what's new for 2026?

• 11am start time this year. Traditionally the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race begins at 8:30am, but every so often it becomes necessary to alter the start time of the race to accommodate tidal conditions, which the race organizers anticipate months ahead of time. Safety precautions are implemented (the canals and bridge overpasses in and around downtown Bangor being a key concern.)
• TV coverage will be from 1pm-3pm on WABI-TV5 Bangor (there is typically a web stream on the WABI website as well). Live radio coverage will be provided by WKIT 100.3
• Early registration ends on March 30th. This is something to keep in mind if you are looking to save money with early registration. This early deadline will come up quickly! Which leads us to the next point:

• $20 cancellation fee until April 3rd. After April 3rd, there are no refunds at all - something to keep in mind as you shore up your plans for the race.

• Registration fees have not increased. The registration fees are the same as last year (actually the last few years) which is welcome news. Paddlers LOVE stability!

Early registration saves you time and money.

• $50 per paddler if registered by March 30th (this is considered early registration).
• $65 per paddler if registered March 31st to April 10th.
• $75 per paddler if registered April 11th to 18th (this is considered late registration).
• Awards will be given around 3:45pm at the Sea Dog restaurant and there will be a warmup tent and also snacks, chili and chowder for participants.
• IMPORTANT NOTICE: The waiver form must be filled out by everyone in the boat and it must be returned whether you registered online or not. Submitting a registration form without a waiver from each paddler means your registration is incomplete and therefore you are not registered. The waiver must be filled out, signed and returned to Bangor Parks & Recreation either by email (debbie.gendreau@bangormaine.gov) or postal mail.
• Registration deadlines: Online registration ends April 17th. In-office registration ends on April 18th. Race day registration on the 19th is in person in the Town of Kenduskeag at the Kenduskeag Union Church, between 8:15 and 9:15am and there is a pre-race briefing at 10:45am. Cash or checks only.
• Race packets (bibs, decals, apparel, etc.) can be picked up at Bangor Parks & Recreation from April 14-17th. Race day registration packets given April 18th from 8:30am to 10:15am at the Kenduskeag Union Church.

Have questions?
Contact Bangor Parks & Recreation directly:

Bangor Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 992-4490
FAX: (207) 947-1605
Mailing address: 647 Main Street, Bangor, ME 04401
Office hours: 8am - 4:30pm
Email: debbie.gendreau@bangormaine.gov