MIDDLEBORO — Get those paddles: It’s nearly time for the 2023 Canoe River Race, an annual tradition in town since 1969.

The Middleboro Parks Department’s canoe race will take place on Saturday, April 29, starting at 11 a.m.

Paddlers will begin at Old Bridge Street in Lakeville and race to Oliver Mill Park in Middleboro. Participation costs $10 per person, no more than two people per canoe, and each participant must wear a life jacket.

“We have a number of different categories so people can feel good about entering,” said Parks Commissioner Fran Cass. Participants can “compete as a family against other families, and there’s an over-50 category, a youth category, and a number of different categories to make people feel good about getting outside and seeing a beautiful river.”

Participants can pre-register at Masi Field House, 26 Jackson St., Middleboro. Registration on the day of the race begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Old Bridge Street race starting location.

Water and pizza from Central Cafe will be provided to all participants after the race.

The main race will be followed by a duck race, where participants can win cash prizes if the imitation “duck’’ they choose finishes in the top three.

All proceeds will be used to fund future Parks Department programs.

The race is held in partnership with the Middleboro Lions Club. The organization helps keep the park in good condition, Cass said. 

For more information, call the Parks Department at 508-946-2440.