The Shortsville–Manchester Chamber of Commerce has announced that this year’s Wild Water Derby, scheduled for later this month, has been canceled due to unsafe water conditions in the Canandaigua Outlet.
In a statement posted on social media, organizers said elevated water levels and significant debris in the outlet made it unsafe to hold the long-running event. Officials noted that the outlet gates cannot be closed because Canandaigua Lake remains approximately 12 inches above normal levels.
“Please know that we are all disappointed and this wasn’t what we hoped for,” organizers said in the post.
The Chamber added that while some have suggested rescheduling, doing so is not feasible. Planning for the annual derby begins nearly a year in advance and requires coordination among dozens of volunteers and participants.
“Rescheduling really isn’t a tangible option,” the statement said, while expressing appreciation for community support and optimism for next year’s event.
The Wild Water Derby has been hosted by the Shortsville–Manchester Chamber of Commerce for more than 50 years. The popular event typically draws participants who navigate the Canandaigua Outlet in rafts, canoes, and other homemade floating vessels.
Organizers are encouraging the community to remain engaged and help make next year’s derby even bigger.
