Close to 400 boaters made their way past Waverly on Tuesday, July 8, the first of five checkpoints for this year’s MR340 down the Missouri River.

The first competitors passed through around 3:30 p.m., with the bulk of participants arriving as a local scout troop was grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and the Waverly Lions Club was hosting their traditional fish fry. Buddy Hostetter has volunteered at the stand for six years and tells KMMO News the club is thrilled to participate.

Hostetter says the Lions Club usually serves about 300 meals, with the proceeds going toward scholarships and providing assistance to area residents in need. He adds that Waverly residents are eager to welcome participants through for the race, and to see them make return visits other times of the year.

Assisting participants at the official checkpoint at the boat ramp were volunteers from around the region, including Barry Brock of Sedalia. Brock competed in the MR340 for five years, but is happy to stay on dry land and provide support.

MR340 boaters will also pass through checkpoints in Glasgow, Jefferson City, Hermann and Klondike before crossing the finish line at St Charles. The race concludes Friday.

We have photos from Tuesday afternoon’s stop in Waverly posted on our Facebook page.