The year of 2013 will start with a thrill in Franklin on Tuesday, January 1. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of kayakers splashing and slicing through snow- and ice-filled Class 4 rapids on New Year’s Day. There is very little that compares to such a sight.

Choose Franklin invites all businesses, organizations, and groups to be a part of the festivities. Reserve your event table in the heated tent, free of charge, by calling 934-2789. Be a part of the festivities, inform spectators of your winter activities, and help welcome the Merrimack Valley Paddlers and Friends of the Winnipesaukee River as they paddle down the Winnipesaukee River in Franklin, Northfield, and Tilton again this year.

Paddlers will take to the water between 11 AM and 1 PM with novice and intermediate boaters paddling the “Upper” Winnipesaukee from Route 140 to the Train Station in Northfield. Advanced boaters will paddle the “Lower” Winnipesaukee from Cross Mill Road in Northfield to downtown Franklin, taking out at Trestle View Park. A video of last year’s event is available via the following link: youtube.com/watch?v=aOE11pDzQao.

Spectators are encouraged to attend, with the best viewing located at Trestle View Park, which is the take-out for paddlers on the lower section. The park will feature a heated tent with coffee, cocoa, chili, and “Hoppin’ John”, provided by Choose Franklin, the Franklin Rotary Club, and Franklin Savings Bank, along with information about the wealth of activities being put on by area organizations this winter. Spectators can walk, snowshoe, or ski on the Winnipesaukee River Trail to watch paddlers coming down the Class 3 and 4 rapids.

Choose Franklin is the main sponsor of First Day Franklin and is seeking co-sponsors for the event. Last year Franklin Savings Bank provided refreshments for the tent set-up crew. The Franklin Democratic Committee and Franklin Rotary Club delivered the hot food for the warming tent, and the Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Recreation Center, Aubuchon Hardware, and Franklin Storage Company provided tables, heat, and electricity for the event tent.

For more information, to reserve a table for your business or organization, to volunteer to help with the tent or refreshments, to be a sponsoring partner, or be involved in any way, please contact: Delaney Carrier,Franklin Storage Company, at 934-2789 or Sarah Stanley, Franklin Savings Bank, at 934-8343.