The Brice Prairie Canoe Race and Pig Roast was founded by the Friends of Brice Prairie in 2003 and was held annually on the last Saturday in June until 2008. The event was initiated to build a sense of community on Brice Prairie and to promote awareness of the beautiful natural places and open spaces on and around Brice Prairie. A bicycle race was added to the event about 2006 and has evolved into a major regional event now called the Brice Prairie Time Trials.

An early-morning "sunrise paddle" through the Black River bottoms is still held on the day of the bicycle race. A casually-guided flotilla of canoes and kayaks paddles out from Lytle's Landing (upper north end of Brice Prairie) at 6:30 am, heads down the chutes of the Black River and through the Lake Onalaska backwaters, to the Upper Brice Prairie Boat Landing. Along the way we usually see: Eagle's nests, eagles, sandhill cranes, other native birds, animals and plants. Return land transportation to Lytle's Landing is provided. Trip length approx. 2-3 hours. Bring: your canoe or kayak, paddles, a legal Personal Flotation Device for each person, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, water and appropriate clothing. Need a canoe? They are available upon request. Contact in advance of trip. Marc Schultz 781-1662, or email schultzma@charter.net.

Update June 23, 2010: Sunrise Paddle for 2010 *Cancelled*

The 2010 Sunrise Paddle on the Black River starting at Lytle's has been cancelled due to high water and swift current which have made conditions unsafe. The Brice Prairie Time Trials (Bike race on Saturday) and The Morris Challenge (5K and 10 K Runs and 5 K walk) (Sunday) will go on as scheduled.

Many thanks to the Friends of Brice Prairie for their hard work, foresight and dedication to the Brice Prairie Canoe Race over the years! Marc and Sue Schultz, Gary and Barb Fischer and many others devoted countless hours to make the canoe race and festivities happen and keep the activities safe for the enjoyment of families and community.

For more information, contact: Sue and Marc Schultz