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A sunset paddle on the Tar River to celebrate National Paddle Week brought out a small crowd and pulled in nearly $500 for Sound Rivers’ Water Quality Fund, established in memory of Gene Pate.

Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Katey Zimmerman, Program Director Clay Barber, Program Assistant Sierra Stickney Digan and water-quality intern Jonah Dickerson and 14 other paddlers launched from Town Common in downtown Greenville just as the sun was lowering in the sky and temperatures cooled down.

“The paddle went so smoothly and was so fun! I am so appreciative to Kate and Knee Deep Adventures for making this happen and donating the use of their time and kayaks for the night,” Katey said. “We ended up having a great turn out — lots of new people that hadn’t attended a Sound Rivers event before, which was great! It was also great to meet and chat with some new people, local to the Greenville area. It seemed like everyone had a great time — especially me.”

Paddlers followed the Tar River from Town Common to Port Terminal, about 3.5 miles downstream. Katey said it was so enjoyable, she’ll be looking for more opportunities to do the same.

“I will definitely be planning more sunset paddles because it was just so, so beautiful, peaceful, low stress, and a great way to kick off a weekend — all the while raising money for our water-quality work,” she said.

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