ENFIELD, CT — For the 27th time, paddlers from four New England states and as far away as Pennsylvania gathered Saturday for the Scantic Spring Splash, beginning in Somersville and ending at the South Maple Street bridge in the Powder Hollow section of Hazardville. A total of 138 racers completed either the expert or novice course.

All racers entered the river on Quality Avenue in Somersville. The expert coursewound its way for five miles to the finish line, encompassing four Class II+ Rapids, including the popular finish area. The expert course is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association Downriver Series. A novice course of 2.5 miles ended on Bailey Road.

For the first time, racers were not subject to a mandatory portage around the Springborn Dam, as it has been removed in recent months, creating a new rapid.