As we all prepare for the Great SLAP race on July 20th, here’s a look at the group who originated the Soap Lake Great Canoe Race in 1980.
They sure had the right stuff. The race was originally scheduled for just after Mt. St. Helens blew. Not only were they able to reschedule the event, 26 canoes raced that first year.
What a group!

In 2006 Alex Kovach and his dad, Andrew, finished the last Great Canoe Race. At the end of the race, Alex said “It was grueling and hard. At the end of the race, I said to myself, I will never do that again. It was so much work.”

For 26 years, competitive paddlers from all over the Northwest and beyond had descended on Soap Lake, Washington for a challenging 17.5 mile—five lake—paddle and portage. It was thought that nothing like it could ever be organized again. But, as Soap Lake's Centennial approached, it seemed important to include recognition of the Great Canoe Race's place in Soap Lake's history. 

Find out why Alex changed his mind and decided to spearhead the Great Soap Lake Adventure Paddle (Great SLAP) here.

• When was Soap Lake's cemetery established?
  
• Who was the first person buried there?
  
• Who is the earliest born person buried there?
  
• Why are there headstones there for people buried elsewhere or for people who died before the cemetery was established?
  

Inquiring minds want to know! For the answers, click HERE