A wonderful spring day is always welcomed in Texoma land and Saturday April 30, 2022, was the setting for yet another successful Pennington Creek Canoe and Kayak Festival in the heart of Tishomingo, Okla.
Good Springs used to be the common name for Tishomingo as it is home to many springs, but the wellknown spring located in the heart of town is Pennington Creek. Many old timers even refer to Garrett Township as Spring Town. Either way, Tishomingo is the most appropriate setting for a Canoe and Kayak Regatta, and one could easily conclude that these water vessels are nothing new to this creek. In fact, they have been a means for transportation and activity for well over 190 years as artifacts and folklore have supported.
The Regatta was a great success, Jordyn Frazier, and Jesi Jackson event organizer coordinators, stated that 35 people registered and over 50 participated in the event. The event consisted of a women’s and men’s 100-yard race.
The first-place winner of the women’s race was Lynn Walker of Pawnee, Okla. and this wasn’t her first win. The winner of the men’s 100- yard race was a bit unclear and many stated that it was more about participation and less competition than the women’s race. The event included hot dogs and chips in the park under the pavilion along with winner’s baskets.
Saturday started off a bit cloudy with a call for rain, but as morning emerged, the sun showed itself and shine it did. The event organizers expressed that despite the weather forecast, the turnout was more than expected.
Frazier is also with the Johnston Counter Chamber of Commerce and mentioned that the event is open to all who wish to participate or attend. Details on next year event can be found on the Johnston County Chamber of Commerce webpage as well as the Pennington Creek Canoe and Kayak Regatta Facebook page.
It was a great event and a beautiful day in Chickasaw Country and a big ole thank you for all who contributed or attended the event. We pray the water always flows and gives way to centuries ahead of events on the spring waters of Tishomingo.