COLTON — The race “Round the Island Canoe Race” returns Saturday, Aug. 7, for its 26th season after skipping last year due to Covid.

This year’s event is dedicated to Clark Trerise, long -ime dedicated volunteer, who passed away this past year.

This family-oriented event draws a wide variety of boaters, catering particularly to the recreational boater with classes divided up so everyone, regardless of the type of boat they paddle, competes against those with similar equipment.

All are welcome at his laid back event held off Gulf Road. The event is sponsored by the Higley Association.

The four-mile event starts at 10 a.m. the Brookfield boat launch (Big Rock) on Pine Road, with registration from 9 - 9:45 a.m.

Also offered will be a 1-mile race for fledglings and a 2-mile race.

Entry fees are $5 for Fledglings, $8 for Higley members and guests, and $10 for non-members. Personal flotation must be worn by all fledglings and be in the boat for all others.

An award ceremony will take place at noon, immediately following the pedal boat races. Awards will be given to the first three finishers in each class. Special awards will include the Charlie Palmer Memorial Trophy for the best finish by a paddler(s) over 60 years of age in their class; Phyllis Baker Memorial Award to the youth paddler who best exemplifies a true love of the sport, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and paddling ability; and the Chris Murphy Paddler Award-to the woman best exemplifying Chris’s excellence in paddling and boundless enthusiasm for the sport.

Kayak divisions will be subdivided by gender, boat length and hull material.

Other divisions will include: Fledgling—under 15, 1 mile any boat; Stand up paddleboard-any type, any paddler; K1 Kayak—any type, any paddler; Short C2—canoe 16’ or under, any paddler; Med C2—canoe 16’1” to 18’, any paddler; Mixed C2- man & woman, any age; Women C2—any rec. canoe, women paddlers; Youth C2— any rec. canoe, both paddlers under 18 years; Family C2—any rec. canoe, child under 16 paddling with related adult(s); and Unlimited—all other boats.

For information call Judy Fuhr 315-262-2362.

Slalom races using a provided pedal boat will be offered at the conclusion of the canoe and kayak races. They will be free to those already entered, $2 for new entries.