Naples Great Dock Canoe Race celebrating final event in May

NAPLES, Fla.- The Great Dock Canoe Race will celebrate its 40th and final event on May 14.

The annual tradition, which began in 1977, draws thousands of spectators each year.

“I know as a business owner on Bayfront, it’s one of our busiest days of the year. And not only that, it’s something the locals have something to look forward to every year,” said Mike Bono, the owner of Tavern on the Bay, who says it’s disappointing to hear that the event will soon end.

Vin DePasquale, founder of The Dock at Crayton Cove, organizes the event that has supported local organizations like Harvest Collier and Drug Free Collier.

“This event has become a Naples tradition among the community and it will be bittersweet to host the finale,” said DePasquale in a statement.

“I think there’s still a lot of questions for people out there as to why,” said Bono. “There’s a lot of work that’s put into it, so maybe that’s one thing. But if he doesn’t want to do it, maybe someone else will take it over, that’s what I’m hoping.”

Naples Mayor John Sorey says it takes about 50 volunteers to put on the race every year. Sorey is working to see if a nonprofit will keep the tradition going.