Josh Lacey of Hammond was the grand prize winner of the 10' kayak with paddles. Presenting the prize is Erica Demick.

HAMMOND – The Town of Hammond was busy this past weekend as 100 paddlers converged on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and the new Historic Barn Quilt Trail which was officially opened and at the Hammond Museum

The second annual poker run event coined “Paddle for a Purpose” began at 9 a.m. under ideal weather conditions this year at Schermerhorn Harbor Aug. 21 to explore in Chippewa Bay, according to Erica C. Demick, Founder and Chairperson of “Paddle with a Purpose” event.

Kayaks, stand up paddle boards, canoes, skiffs and peddle boats were powered by participants ranging in age from 4 to 70, from all areas of the state, she said.

Paddlers set out to visit several island locations around Chippewa Bay to draw cards to be played in Poker hands at the end of the course. The best three hands in adult and youth divisions won a variety of prizes including a Mahogany Screen door by Vintage Doors, Weekend Stays at Schermerhorn Harbor (1000 Islands) and Rogers Old Oak Camps (Black Lake), tickets to Singer Castle, a 32” remote controlled power boat and towable inner tube, all donated by local and area businesses.

There were also raffles for a 10' Kayak with a Paddle and Lifejacket, a GO-Pro HERO4 Action Camera, door prizes and more.

Hosted by the Foundation for Community Betterment, funds raised will benefit, enhance and promote the Hammond community, Demick said.

This year proceeds will help: the Hammond Backpack Program that sends backpacks home with students with food for the weekends, The Chippewa Bay & Black Lake Fish and Game Associations (Sponsoring Children to Attend 2016 Summer Camp), The Hammond PTO (For New playground equipment), Establishing an Immediate Needs Fund in Hammond (for future individual & organizational needs) and the Hammond Barn Quilt Trail (Printing Material for Publication).

The Barn Quilt Trail is the first of its kind to be started in St. Lawrence County.

Many local officials along with the volunteers who have worked for months to make it happen spoke at the dedication ceremony, Demick said.

Lisa Sarfaty Barn Trail Committee chairperson opened the dedication with praise and encouragement for the many other local folks who have contributed to the project to date.

Hammond Museum Director and Village Historian Donna Demick spoke on the historic significance of the trail.

Among the dignitaries there who offered their support for the new Barn Quilt Trail was Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Hammond Town Supervisor Ron Bertram, Village Trustee Corin Phalen, St. Law Co Chamber of Commerce president Brooke Rouse, TAUNY Director of Development Laura Desmond.

The general theme from the speakers is the trail has the potential to create interest and boost the economy of the Hammond area, Demick said.

To coincide with this event there was quilt demonstrations and displays set up at the museum. There were two bus tours taking visitors on tours of all 29 barn quilts that are decorating barns throughout the Hammond area.

For more information: www.HammondBarnQuiltTrail.wordpress.com