Water. Arguably the most important natural resource on our planet. All life depends on it. Humans also use water to make life on Earth more fun. Paddling is a sport enjoyed by people from all around the world. Here in Michigan we truly have access to the best waters on Earth. Buckley’s is proud to help people enjoy the natural beauty of Mt Pleasant’s most important natural resource, the Chippewa River. One of the ways we do that is through film. In its 10th year, the Reel Paddling Film Festival showcases the best films exploring humans love of recreation on the water.
Buckley’s Mountainside Canoes is proud to sponsor the festival in Mt. Pleasant for the fourth time. On Friday, May 1st 2015 at 7pm, at Mountain Town Brewing Company on Pickard you can enjoy an evening of truly unique films celebrating human’s connections with water. You can also enjoy the Brewery’s water infused with grains and hops; or should I say, beer. Brewmaster Kim Kowalski will be releasing the fourth annual Buckley’s Brew in time for the festival. Tickets are $12. You can buy the tickets online at ticketriver.com, or they will be available for purchase at the brewery. (Cash or check only please.)
Everyone who attends the Festival finds that at least one film influences them in unexpected ways. The festival films don’t just make you want to go paddling, they relate to many other aspects of our lives. The films run the gambit from high adventure whitewater excitement, to exploration of water threatened by environmental change and pollution. Films at previous festivals took viewers on the Ganges, on the Los Angeles River, down the waterfalls of Iceland, and explored the winding Colorado. Other films explored the therapeutic value of paddling for cancer patients and amazing stories of the oil industry threatening traditional cultures dependent on water for their livelihood and cultural identity. A full list of 2015 films is available on the website reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com.
Buckley’s prides itself on being more than a canoe livery, and throughout the summer we will also be offering our Paddle and Pick Summer Concert Series. Enjoy a 2-3 hour float and land on the docks just in time to see a great band on the Apple Tree Stage. Other special events include Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, and the 3rd Annual Poker Paddle to support the Jeremy Caldwell Memorial scholarship to Camp Mystic Lake.
More information available by contacting: liz@buckleyscanoe.com, buckleyscanoe.com, or at reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com