This past Sunday, August 20, the 3rd Annual Swim Between the Islands took place on the shores of Wilson Lake. Birch Island Resort was again invaded by swimmers who raised pledges and spectators that brought their appetites. There were also the hopeful ticket holders seeking a winning number for the new kayak that was raffled off. If you stood on the beach it was hard to tell if there were more swimmers or more kayaks in the lake. It left this event volunteer questioning if this was a swimming event or a kayaking event. It is also the first time that this swimmer has been in the lake for this event that the water was warm. Last year driving to the event the thermometer read 62 degrees; this year we hit a balmy 81 and it really felt like a summer day.

About 150 people were in attendance at the event and a little over 25 swimmers swam the 3/4 mile distance. Ron and Chris Kendziera, owners of The Crazy Loon ,were not only gracious enough to donate the kayak for the Phillips Area Aquatic Foundation to raffle off, but they also gathered every one of their own kayaks and canoes and several of their customers and friends kayaks and canoes to have on hand. Ron had arranged for his Old Towne company representative to bring kayaks and to be on hand to help with the demos but he had hit a deer en route and totaled his truck. Somehow Ron managed to get together enough boats for the demo. He and his wife Chris and their loyal employee Gary put people in watercrafts. They also provided kayaks for lifeguards for the duration of the event.

The Phillips Area Aquatic Foundation tallied the numbers and although the weather was perfect, the attendance was down a bit from the two previous years. The event brought in over $7,300 before expenses were paid. A big thank you to everyone who donated their time, from the lifeguards who rode kayaks to the pontoon boat drivers who marked the path for the swimmers, and especially the ambulance crew who were able to enjoy themselves as no one needed medical attention, this event could not have been done without your help. The proceeds will go toward the Phillips Community Pool to keep it open for our community and school swimmers. The foundation has paid for a much needed filtration system for the pool and also for the Phillips School District students fees for using the pool for physical education classes.

This swimmer was amazed at the diversity of people attending this event. From the babies less than 6 months old to senior citizens, including my 81-year-old father. That is what the pool offers this community, diversity. There are lessons for infants, curriculum for school-age children, team sports for ages 5-19, water aerobics for all ages, as well as special classes for the disabled. The community businesses stepped up and donated over $3,500 to the event. "It was well organized and well attended" event coordinator Adam Speer commented. This is a community facility and it is well-supported by the generous people of this community.

The Crazy Loon is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information, call 339-6254.

Chris Kendziera of The Crazy Loon (in the kayak) helped keep swimmers safe.