The 29th annual Meduxnekeag Canoe Race will be held this weekend

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The water should be high and running fast this Saturday, May 10, when racers arrive at McBride Bridge to launch their canoes and kayaks for the 29th annual Meduxnekeag Canoe Race.

Start time for the event, which sees participants paddle down the Meduxnekeag to the Woodstock Farm Market, will be 11 a.m. Event organizer Ambrose MacDougall said the race launch will follow a breakfast and registration at the Woodstock Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 between 7 and 10 a.m.

MacDougall said the Legion will also be the site of the barbecue and awards ceremony at the end of the race.

Participants can enter in one of 14 different classes – both competitive and recreational – aimed at making it interesting for all types of canoe and kayak enthusiasts.

This year, he noted, a new "Century" class has been added. It will be open to any pairs team whose combined ages total 100 years or more.

MacDougall anticipates a good turnout this year, noting interest appears high.

"I've had phone calls from Saint John and other places, and I think we will have quite a few coming across (from Maine)." he said.

Last year, the annual Meduxnekeag Canoe Race featured 32 participants. MacDougall hopes to see that number grow this year.

He said funds raised at this year's event will be donated to some of the local 4-H clubs.

As an added bonus this year, said MacDougall, a poker run will be held in conjunction with the annual race.

MacDougall encourages everyone, regardless of skill level, to join in the fun of the annual canoe race.

He said participants can team up with a family member or friend for a chance to run the Meduxnekeag at a pace they feel comfortable, and the reason for all the different classes is to ensure it is fun for everyone.