WAPPINGERS CREEK WATER DERBY
The 50th Running of the Wappingers Creek Water Derby
The Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) has teamed up with the Aquatic Explorers Scuba Club (AESC) to bring back the annual spring Wappingers Creek Water Derby for 2025. This canoe and kayak racing event is scheduled for Saturday, 26 April 2025 in Pleasant Valley NY. The Wappingers Creek Water Derby was originally started in 1970 by WWII Submariner Veterans and ran continuously until 2019. The 2025 event will be the 50th running of this race, and we invite the Veterans and Military Members in the Hudson Valley to join us as we return this highly popular event to the Hudson Valley. For more information, you can visit the following links:
The Hudson Valley Submarine Veterans - A WWII Veterans based organization began the Wappingers Creek Water Derby in 1970 and ran the derby until the 1990's. Originally founded by a Dutchess County sports legend Henry "Moose" Karn, who served on the USS Pomfret (SS-391) during the Second World War, Moose was also one of the founders of the Dutchess County Sports Museum. He founded many local Little Leagues as well as the Wappingers Creek Water Derby.
.jpg)
.jpg)
The Aquatic Explorers Scuba Club (AESC) which is based out of American Legion Post 1302 in Poughkeepsie NY, gradually took over the Annual Wappingers Creek Water Derby from the Hudson Valley Submarine Veterans starting in the 1990's, and successfully ran the Wappingers Creek Water Derby until 2019.
For those that are members of NECKRA, we're happy to announce that the Wappingers Creek Water Derby will be included in the race series this year. This provides NECKRA members another opportunity to earn points.
If interested, visit NECKRA.ORG for more information on their race series and how points work.
Wappingers Creek Water Derby Map Locations
The VSA was formed in 2016 by local Veterans, active duty Military personnel and local Law Enforcement officers to to raise money and provide Firearms Training and Sporting Activities for Hudson Valley Veterans and their families. In 2020 we became a Federally registered 501c3 Veterans Nonprofit.
In 2021 we started an annual fundraising Whiskey, Bourbon and BBQ event. The money raised during our annual fundraiser includes donations from individuals, organizations, and businesses. In 2025 we are restarting the Wappingers Creek Water Derby. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or donating towards our yearly fundraising event please use one of the links below. Thank you!
VSA SPONSORSHIP
BECOME A VSA EVENT SPONSOR
2025 WAPPINGERS CREEK WATER DERBY GOLD SPONSORSHIP
We Greatly Appreciate Your Upcoming Support
Gold Sponsors are Businesses or Individuals that donate $5000 to the Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) in 2025. Gold Sponsors will receive 10 VIP Tickets to our 2025 Whiskey, Bourbon and BBQ, Free Advertisement on both the Whiskey, Bourbon & BBQ and Wappingers Creek Water Derby event webpages, Custom Banners displayed during both events, and personal booths set up during both of these events. All donations are tax deductible and go directly towards supporting local Hudson Valley Veterans. The VSA is a Federally Registered 501c3 Veterans Nonprofit.
Thank You to Our Confirmed 2025 Corporate Event Gold Sponsors!
YOUR NAME HERE
Please Support Local Veterans
Your Donation will directly support Veterans in the Hudson Valley. Click the link below to email us and become one of our Top Sponsor for 2025. We will reply with information on donation payment options, and verify your donation as well as your information for the tax credit you will receive for donating. Thank you for your sponsorship!
2025 WAPPINGERS CREEK WATER DERBY SILVER SPONSORSHIP
We Greatly Appreciate Your Upcoming Support
Silver Sponsors are Businesses or Individuals that donate $1000 to the Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) in 2025. Silver Sponsors receive 10 VIP Tickets to the 2025 Whiskey, Bourbon and BBQ EVENT and Free Advertisement on both the Whiskey, Bourbon & BBQ event and Wappingers Creek Water Derby webpages. All donations are tax deductible and go directly towards local Hudson Valley Veterans.
The VSA is a Federally Registered 501c3 Veterans Nonprofit.
Thank You to Our Confirmed 2025 Silver Sponsors!
Northern Dutchess Rod and Gun Club
Donation Made to the VSA
Founded in 1933, Northern Dutchess Rod & Gun Club is an organization of men, women, and children, who enjoy outdoor pursuits. The club exists primarily to provide our members with hunting, fishing, target shooting, hiking, and a quality outdoor experience with the opportunity to meet and socialize with others who also love these pursuits. The club embraces the principles of ethical management and harvest of wildlife and other natural resources.
YOUR NAME HERE
Support Local Veterans
Your Donation will directly support Veterans in the Hudson Valley. Click the link below to email us and become one of our Top Sponsor for 2025. We will reply with information on donation payment options, and verify your donation as well as your information for the tax credit you will receive for donating. Thank you for your sponsorship!
2025 WAPPINGERS CREEK WATER DERBY
BRONZE SPONSOR
We Greatly Appreciate Your Upcoming Support
Bronze Sponsors are Businesses or Individuals that donate $500 to the Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) in 2025. Bronze Sponsors receive 5 VIP Tickets to the Whiskey, Bourbon and BBQ and Free Advertisement on the Whiskey, Bourbon & BBQ and Wappingers Creek Water Derby event webpages. All donations are tax deductible and go directly towards local Hudson Valley Veterans. The VSA is a Federally Registered 501c3 Veterans Nonprofit.
Thank You to Our Confirmed 2025 Bronze Sponsors!
MENGLER MECHANICAL
Mechanical Contractors established in 2001 and incorporated in NY.
YOUR BUSINESS NAME
Show Your Support for Local Veterans
All Donations directly support sporting events and activities for Local Veterans and their Families. Click the link below to email us and become one of our Top Sponsor for 2024. We will reply with information on donation payment options, and verify your donation as well as your information for the tax credit you will receive for donating. Thank you for your sponsorship!
YOUR BUSINESS NAME
Show Your Support for Local Veterans
All Donations directly support sporting events and activities for Local Veterans and their Families. Click the link below to email us and become one of our Top Sponsor for 2025. We will reply with information on donation payment options, and verify your donation as well as your information for the tax credit you will receive for donating. Thank you for your sponsorship!
SPONSORSHIPS
Wed, Dec 18Pleasant ValleyDec 18, 2024, 9:00 AM – Dec 31, 2025, 10:50 PMPleasant Valley, 1554 Main St, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, USA
Wed, Dec 18Pleasant ValleyDec 18, 2024, 10:00 AM – Dec 31, 2025, 11:50 PMPleasant Valley, 1554 Main St, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, USA
Wed, Dec 18Pleasant ValleyDec 18, 2024, 10:00 AM – Dec 31, 2025, 11:50 PMPleasant Valley, 1554 Main St, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, USA
KAYAK DONATION
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DONATING A NEW KAYAK FOR VETERANS ON BEHALF OF YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION
PLEASE CONTACT US
VENDORS
The Following Vendors Are Confirmed
Brothers of the Leaf Inc.
Brothers of the Leaf Inc is a non-profit 501c7 cigar lounge and social club for the purpose of giving active and retired police officers, corrections, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, military personnel (including formerly enlisted), as well as their families and friends a place to relax, unwind, and network with each other. If you are any of the above mentioned including a family member or friend of someone who is, then you qualify for a membership. Membership grants you access, discounts, free special events, free food catered at events, and the ability to bring guests. Our humidor is stocked with 30+ different cigars, the bar with 60+ different bourbon, scotch, and whiskey. We also have a variety of beer, wine, vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and cognacs with more to come. We can order you boxes of your favorites at below normal prices. We partner with local restaurants and food trucks for food. Cigar lockers are also available.
SHREDVETS
ShredVets is a volunteer Veteran-run, Veteran-only Snow Sports peer group. No cost. All skill levels
.jpg)
CRAZY CAT LADY THERAPY FOR VETERANS
Our Mission:
To serve our veterans by inspiring and uniting them through a community of compassion, respect, dignity, and accountability. To provide alternative therapies without medical intervention through creative art workshops, pet therapy, and empowering activities (i.e. yoga, hikes) that build and replenish cognitive abilities and cement a social support system. Our utmost goal is to reduce suicide, homelessness, and incarceration rates in veterans and service members.
BLUE STAR MOTHERS, HUDSON VALLEY
We support the efforts and sacrifices of our active military and veterans through activities, fundraising and, community projects.
MHA DUTCHESS VETERANS PROGRAMS
Vet2Vet is funded by the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans’ Peer Services Project. Services include support groups, social activities, assistance in finding housing and/or employment for homeless veterans, advocacy for benefits, and much more:
HUDSON VALLEY VETERANS ALLIANCE
The mission of The Alliance is to help provide assistance, information, and build support networks for Veterans, by Veterans, throughout the Hudson Valley .
.jpeg)
HUDSON VALLEY HONOR FLIGHT
Hudson Valley Honor Flight is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which “Honors American Veterans” for all their sacrifices. We transport these heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials at no cost to them. We are a local hub of the National Honor Flight Network, which consists of over 100 independent non-profit “hubs” across America.
CLEAR PATH FOR VETERANS
Clear Path for Veterans is proud to be the leading provider of Dwyer Peer Support programs in New York State. We empower communities to give their veterans the exceptional care and outreach they deserve.
THE HUDSON VALLEY NATIONAL CENTER FOR VETERAN REINTEGRATION
The Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration works to empower our military men and women to live successful, fulfilling lives. The mission of HVNCVR is to provide support for both our current military personnel while they are back home and our veterans by assisting them with their transition back into civilian life.
HUDSON VALLEY SKI CLUB
Our name says Ski Club, but we are year-round activities and adult social club based in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York. Throughout our 85+ years, HVSC has offered ski trips to top resorts throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada, bike trips, scenic hikes, kayaking, sailing, cultural events, rafting, wine tasting parties and happy hours (which we have nicknamed “Race Training”).
WARRIOR BONFIRE PROGRAM
Warrior Bonfire Program provides opportunities that improve the lives of enemy combat-wounded veterans—Purple Heart recipients—on their long journey of recovery and healing
JD'S ARMS & MUNITIONS
At JD's Arms & Munitions, we're committed to offering quality products, unparalleled service, and the most competitive prices in town. JD's is a Veteran owned FFL in New Paltz NY
North River Roasters
Coffee roasters producing sustainable products to our community.☕️ Providing veterans and other disabled individuals with workforce training and development.🤲🏼
Operated by Mid-Hudson Works.🎖️
NORTHERN DUTCHESS ROD & GUN CLUB
Founded in 1933, Northern Dutchess Rod & Gun Club is an organization of men, women, and children, who enjoy outdoor pursuits. The club exists primarily to provide our members with hunting, fishing, target shooting, hiking, and a quality outdoor experience with the opportunity to meet and socialize with others who also love these pursuits. The club embraces the principles of ethical management and harvest of wildlife and other natural resources.
MORE VENDORS COMING SOON!
Our Vendor List Is Being Updated
