CANTON -- Canton Canoe Weekend returns to Taylor Park May 1 and 2 for the 59th year.

The annual premier canoe event was canceled in 2020 due to Covid-19, but it will return as a scaled down contest this year.

Race events will include Saturday pro and amateur races, at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Sunday recreational races at 10:30 a.m. The Joe Randy Rushton Relay Race will not be held this year because organizers cannot ensure adequate social distancing.

Saturday races are eight miles long for pro paddlers and 6 miles for amateur paddlers. On Sunday, recreational canoe, kayak or SUP paddlers can select from 1, 3, 5 or 8 mile races.

Following state guidelines, a maximum of 200 people will be allowed at each race event. Online pre-registration is required to reduce participant and volunteer contact, and masks must be worn at all times when a distance of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained.

The public is invited to come out and celebrate spring with others, take part in a socially distanced 1 to 8 mile paddle and join in the fun.

Race entry fees have been decreased for 2021 and paddlers entering two races will receive a 50% discount on the second race entry fee. The first 25 participants to register for each race will receive a free t-shirt. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top Pro racers, and prizes will be awarded to top finishers in other categories.

For more information visit www.cantoncanoeweekend.org