As the Androscoggin River continues to gain momentum as a recreational destination in the heart of the Twin Cities, city officials from Auburn and Lewiston have welcomed Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground’s newest venture, Lewiston-Auburn Canoe and Kayak Rentals you can also rent a soft top stand up paddle board, to Downtown Auburn on a temporary, trial basis.

Representing the cutting edge of recreation on the Androscoggin River, Lewiston-Auburn Canoe and Kayak Rentals will, over the next few weeks and possibly months, rent canoes and kayaks for use by the public from its trial location behind Festival Plaza. The service will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Canoes will rent for $20 per hour and kayaks for $15.

Those attending the launch of the venture included City of Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonté, who is also executive director of the Androscoggin Land Trust; City of Auburn Director of Economic Development Roland Miller; Lewiston City Councilor Craig Saddlemire; Chamber of Commerce President Chip Morrison; Amanda Theberge, director of sales for the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch; and Jeff Parsons, owner of Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground.

“It’s exciting to welcome the first such business to the banks of the Androscoggin River in downtown Auburn,” said LaBonte. “This is confirmation that the tremendous effort over the last few years to promote the river, steward our recreational sites and develop additional ones are paying off. We will become Maine’s urban playground.”

“Representatives from both sides of the river came together today to recognize the importance of supporting a business that will serve not just local citizens, but tourists and those from away,” said Miller. “The river is an asset and an experience, one that truly joins the two cities and strengthens our community as a destination for growth.”

A Master Maine Guide and owner of Bethel Outdoor Adventure, Jeff Parsons was encouraged by the turnout and the positive response to his newest venture. “We are delighted to work with the Twin Cities to make this dream a reality,” said Parsons. “We couldn’t be happier with the opportunities.”

For more information about Bethel Outdoor Adventures, see www.betheloutdooradventure.com.