Fun On Honey Creek

Families gathered on the banks of Honey Creek to enjoy the sun and sand June 18.

The second annual “Fun on Honey Creek” started with a splash as contestants in the Kayak Race paddled their way to the dam in Blankenship Park, through the obstacles set up, and across the finish line as quickly as they could. The fastest navigators earned themselves a brand new kayak, donated by Centergas Fuels.

While kayakers competed in age-based heats, remaining attendees dug their toes and their shovels into the sand as they began construction on their structures for the Sand Castle Building contest.

Loads of sand were delivered a few days prior to the event and will serve as a beach for the remainder of the year.

After weeks of locals cleaning out the lake and leveling the shoreline last year, the Clark family imagined an event where the whole community could enjoy these improvements.

“We’ve always loved to kayak,” Annetta Clark said. “So when the lake was cleaned up, the girls asked why we didn’t kayak on Honey Creek.”

That simple question led to an annual event that draws a crowd of all ages. But the Clarks couldn’t have done it without the help of generous community members. River Ranch provided the kayaks used to race, Full Gospel Church provided the prize money for sand-castle builders, and Donald Brown, Jack and Cindy Coatney, Chris Coatney, Brian Cain, and Jon Keith donated their time and efforts to the event.

“Centergas Fuels and the Clark family would like to extend a heart-felt ‘thank you’ to everyone,” Annetta said. “See you next year!”

MEGAN DAVIS/MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Many of the Sandcastle Building contestants focused on landscaping around their structure implementing waterfalls, stairs and moats.

MEGAN DAVIS/MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Six-year-old Jacob Andrews completed the course with the fastest time — 1 minute, 52 seconds — and earned himself a new, youth kayak.

MEGAN DAVIS/MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Nine-year-old Ian Ruby and his father maneuver around beach balls during Honey Creek kayak races on Saturday, June 18. Contestants paddled to the end of the lake at Blankenship Park, through the balls, and across the finish line.

MEGAN DAVIS/MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Two-time winner, Luke Kittlen took home $100 for his sprawling sand-mansion during the Sandcastle Building Contest on Saturday, June 18. Unlike many other builders, Kitlen opted to have his structure face Honey Creek for a better view.

MEAGN DAVIS/MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Grace Coatney tied with Jordan Roberts for first place in the 2-12 age division. Coatney included multiple structures as well as a few natural accessories.

MEGAN DAVIS/MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Attendees enjoyed a picnic lunch provided by sponsors and prepared by Rosie Roberts, 3, and Alyssa Clark.