Put the Pedal to the Water as Highlandlake Hey Day Paddleboat Challenge - August 23

Mead , CO -- Timed paddleboat races will be one of the highlights of this year's Highlandlake 'Hey Day,' Saturday, August 23, at the lake on Wled County road 5, one mole west of Mead. The day-long event is being held to raise funds for the structural renovation of the Highlandlake Church, which was damaged by the heavy snows of this year's March blizzard.

During the paddleboat races, teams of two persons, ages 12 and up; eight to 12; and kids under eight accompanied by an adult, will race the clock to see who can complete designated course in the shortest time. Prizes will be awarded in all three divisions. The entry fee is $10.00 per team, with all money collected going to the "Save the Church" fund. The Highlandlake concession will provide the paddleboats. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No pre-registration is necessary.

In addition to the paddleboat challenge,  Highlandlake Hey Day events will include, games, and rides for all ages, including hot-air balloon rides, miniature train rides, a "poker run" for motorcyclists and a fishing derby. The day's activities will close with lakeside dancing to various area bands.

Food will be available all day, beginning with a pancake breakfast, from 8 to 10 a.m., prepared by area volunteers. Throughout the day and early evening, sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and desserts will be available from the Highland Lake concession stand and the Mead Cafe booth, with all profits donated to the church restoration fund.

Funds raised by the event will be used to help pay for structural reinforcement of the 107-year-old church, which was damaged by the weight of heavy snow on the roof, which caused all four walls of the wooden church to bow, and the entire structure to shift on its stone foundation.

A total of $200,000 is needed to pay for the repairs. Grants from the Colorado State Historical Society, amounting to $200,000.00, are being applied for but those grants, require the 25% of the total, of $50,000 be donated by the private sector. To date, $15,000 has been received, according to Carla Brossman, treasurer of Historic Highlandlake Church, Inc, (HHCI), the organization responsible for the maintenance of the church. The group has until Feb. 1, 2004 to raise the additional $35,000, according to Pauli Smith, a member of HHCI who is preparing the grant applications.

Highlandlake began as a spring-fed buffalo wallow that was dammed to hold irrigation water for the Highlandlake Reservoir Company, and for more than 100 years the lake has served as a recreation area and community center for southwestern Weld County. The church and lake were used in the filming of the movie, DieHard II, starring Bruce Willis.

In addition to attending the Highlandlake Hey Day on August 23, tax-exempt donations, payable to Historic Highlandlake, Inc may be sent to HHCI treasurer Carla Brossman, at 1794 CR 34, Mead, CO 80542.