Jim Goochee (Port Allegany, PA), Bill Grimes (Gilbertsville, NY), John Lewis (Bainbridge, NY), Dale Persons (New Berlin, NY)

BAINBRIDGE - The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce would like to extend an invitation to the induction ceremony of the General Clinton Hall of Fame taking place at the General Clinton Canoe Regatta on Saturday, May 24, at 1 p.m.

This year, four individuals will be inducted into the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame. An informal food and beverage offering at 1 p.m. will precede the induction ceremony. 

 Three of the inductees are  individuals known for their longevity,  success, and promotion of canoe paddling, especially the 70-mile endurance race.  The other inductee is an individual known for their many years of volunteer efforts toward the growth and success of the events and facilities in support of Regatta Weekend.

The four individuals the committee will induct into the General Clinton Hall of Fame, 2025 Class,  include:   

Jim Goochee (Port Allegany, PA):

A forty-three time 70-mile finisher and counting.  During his years of paddling, he has  General Clinton wins in  both  aluminum and standard.  He also holds the fastest super aluminum win,  recorded  in 1990.  Jim was dominate in standard class through the 90’s USCA Nationals.  

Bill Grimes (Gilbertsville, NY): 

A  racer  first, but always a  dedicated  volunteer.  Bill has  thirteen 70-mile finishes to his credit and has raced in most local NYS races.  In 2003, Bill hung up the paddle and started with the race committee.  He has always  involved in  timing, awards, and,  in recent years, handing out the race packets. Bill also  played a significant role in reshaping classes and prize money to make the regatta more equitable for all.

John Lewis (Bainbridge, NY):

A Bainbridge native, John has  forty 70-mile finishes in both  the  C-1 and C-2 classes.  He has made  the  70-mile journey with many of his family members from  multiple generations.  John is also known for historical reenactments of the early journeys down the Susquehanna river.

Dale Persons (New Berlin, NY):    

Dale has thirty-one 70-mile finishes, three 70-mile wins,  and a career best 5th place Pro finish.  He has been paddling since he first participated in  youth races while in high school.  He is a  two-time national champion with  wins in 1994 and 1995 alongside hall of famer Bob Zaveral. He also has been active in  the  race committee and has announced many awards and races in the past.    

Please RSVP to  jharmon80@outlook.com  by May 17  if you plan to attend.

Any questions, feel free to contact at  jharmon80@outlook.com.

We hope to see many past volunteers, racers,  and fans of the past  62  years of the Regatta,

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is a 501-(c)6 not-for-profit organization, which supports and promotes commerce in Bainbridge as well as the Tri Town region.

This event helps support General Clinton Park as well as many other  local activities.

-Information from the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce