Register now to Float Your Fanny
Courtesy of Float Your Fanny Committee and Municipality of Port Hope
By Cecilia Nasmith
April 11 is the big day for the 2026 Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny river race, and the Municipality of Port Hope has issued its annua call for participants.
Organized the year after a catastrophic 1980 flood devastated the downtown, Float Your Fanny is characterized by Mayor Olena Hankivsky as the embodiment of the community's camaraderie and resilience.
“Each year, this beloved tradition brings our community together to honour our history, and also welcomes visitors to experience our vibrant town,” Hankivsky said in the announcement.
“My sincere thanks to the emergency services, staff and volunteers whose dedication ensures a safe and memorable weekend.”
Participants are challenged in a rigourous 10-km. race down the mighty Ganaraska River in kayaks, canoes and crazy crafts. At the finish line, Fannyville awaits – an outdoor event village hosting various food, drink and merchant vendors as well as entertainment, children's activities, live commentary on race results and the eventual award presentations.
“After a long winter, there's nothing better than welcoming everyone back to Fannyville,” Operational Lead Barrileigh Price said.
“Whether you're a seasoned paddler or trying the race for the first time, it's a chance to test your endurance, creativity and Ganny spirit. And if racing isn't your thing, come down to Fannyville to cheer everyone on – one of my favourite parts of the day is seeing friends, neighbours and visitors coming together to celebrate and enjoy the energy of the community.”
Participants are urged to give a careful review of the registration information at floatyourfanny.ca and prepare accordingly to brave the chilly waters of the Ganaraska.
The event plan was reviewed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to ensure the Municipality remains in compliance with all policies and procedures to support the safety and sustainability of the fish and wildlife habitats in the river.
To keep everything family-friendly, organizers have a few suggestions, such as leaving your four-legged companions at home (as the event draws large crowds and can become quite congested). Water balloons are not permitted, nor is open alcohol.
The Municipality's Fire and Emergency Services (in collaboration with multiple community emergency-service partners) are heavily involved in the safety planning, and will be on-site during the event. Participants and spectators must follow protocols and remain mindful and respectful of each other along the riverbank.
The health and safety of the community remain top priority for the Municipality and event organizers.
And while the event is scheduled for April 11, river conditions will be monitored leading up to the big day. And, as occasionally happened, an alternate race date may have to be slated – in this case, April 18.