■An estimated 10,000 persons lined the banks of the Westfield River Sunday afternoon to watch the 18th annual White Water Canoe Races, featuring some 60 expert and novice contestants from throughout New England. The day was more spring-like than last year and many sat on the rocks and enjoyed a picnic lunch while viewing the races.
■A Soap Box Derby clinic held Friday evening at Labbee’s Chevrolet was attended by more than 30 entrants and their parents, Kirk Parsons, director of this year’s derby, said today. This year’s contest will make the seventh year that the derby has been jointly sponsored by the Daily Hampshire Gazette and the Kiwanis Club of Northampton.
■The City Council last night pulled the plug on a proposed July 9 Lollapalooza mega-concert. Mayor Mary L. Ford and councilors said they feared the concert — which was said could draw up to 50,000 fans — would snarl traffic and wreak havoc on neighborhoods and farmlands near the Northampton Airport, the proposed location.
■After 96 years, the bike shop begun by Thomas Purseglove in Northampton and known for the last 17 years as Peloton of Northampton will close. “It was a legacy and I’m sad to see it end,” said owner Douglas Dale today of the 15 State St. store. Dale said he had attempted to sell the business but found its size was too large for a “mom & pop” operation, but too small for a large chain corporation.
■Casey White and Kieran Ramsey, both of Easthampton, will have a chance to take home a free throw shooting crown tonight before the Celtics meet the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Banknorth Garden. The pair represent the western Massachusetts boys and girls divisions in a competition sponsored by the Red Auerbach Youth Foundation, the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association and the Celtics.
■An early-morning blaze Saturday destroyed Clark’s Excavating garage in Williamsburg. According to owner Clifford Clark Jr., the fire destroyed his company dump truck, all of his tools and several antique cars, including a 1931 Model A and 1926 Model T that had belonged to his great-grandfather.