By MATT LINDSEY

OGDENSBURG – The 55th Seaway Festival will return later this month, with highlights to include races, fishing derbies, arts and crafts shows, a parade, inflatable rides, a comedy show, competitions, and fireworks.

A “Comedy Extravaganza” featuring comedian hypnotist Don Swan starts at 7 p.m. on Friday July 17. The show takes places in the Ogdensburg Free Academy auditorium. For tickets visit Roethel’s Custom Graphics or call 393-3518. The cost $10 each.

On Saturday, July 18, a plethora of activities will include the Remington Canoe Race the Heuvelton boat launch at 9 a.m. and a kid’s fishing derby at the Greenbelt Docks runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Kids can partake in firefighter’s kid’s games at Morrisette Park from 1 until 4 p.m.

“Light Up Your Boat,” flotilla parade takes place at Greenbelt Docks at 9:30 p.m. July 18. Adults decorate their boats and cruise up and down the river. Trophies will be awarded in a variety of categories.

Spectators can get the best views from Morristte Park along the Riverfront from the Patterson Street boat launch past the city docks to the lighthouse and back around the new OBPA access road.

Artisans and crafters will sell their products at the Lockwood Arena July 18 and 19.

Sunday morning begins with plenty of things to get your blood pumping. A youth fun run and 4-mile walk/run will begin at the Dobisky Visitors Center at 8:30 and 9 a.m.

The Sandbar Fishing Derby for adults and kids will be held Sunday morning near the Dobisky Center. Prizes will be given.

Anglers can register for bass, walleye, northern pike and perch beginning daily during normal business hours at the Dobisky Visitor’s Center. The cost is $5 per species but anglers have to register for at least two species.

Each angler can submit one fish from each of the categories they register for. Each fish entered will be weighed and its length recorded. Winners will be determined by weight. If a tie, the length will determine the winner. All weighing of fish will take place at Hosmer’s Marina.

“The goal is to get people out on the river and to take advantage of the river’s fishing,” said Parks & Recreation Director Matthew Curatolo.

Registration can done on the morning of the tournament at Hosmer’s Marina from 6 to 7 a.m. when fishing begins. The tournament ends at 3 p.m.

The Oswegatchie Golf Challenge will return again featuring a “make-shift” green that requires participants to drive a golf ball across the Oswegatchie River onto a piece of land to win prizes. Tee time is 10 a.m. at Trafalgar Park.

Juggernaut Agenda will perform at the Library Park Gazebo from 6:30 until 9 p.m.

On Sunday night, “The Battle of the Bands” returns with live music at the OFA football field.

“The Festival Family Feud” highlights Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m. at the OFA auditorium. The cost is $3 per person.

Contestants will hit the stage fop a karaoke contest Tuesday’s beginning at 6 p.m. in the OFA auditorium. Watch the Ogdensburg Dance Studio perform from 6 to 8 p.m. at Library Park.

Inflatable rides run July 22-25 in Greenbelt Park. A “special wristband day” is planned from noon to 4 p.m.

The Seaway Cruiser’s cruise-in will be held in Greenbelt Park at 6 p.m. “The 2 Tones” will entertain at Library Park Gazebo from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

“The Great Toilet Paper Toss” and a concert by “Dragon Fly” highlight entertainment for Thursday, July 23.

The finals of the karaoke will be held Friday along with a fireworks show at Greenbelt Park at 10 p.m. Fireworks are sponsored by the City of Ogdensburg.

A parade featuring the expected return of the 10th Mountain Division Band will be held Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m. There will be several floats, organizations, fire departments, businesses and more walking in the parade which generally lasts around two hours.

The parade begins at Ford Street near the Department of Transportation and ends at the Library Park Gazebo. Awards will follow.

“We usually see anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 people lines up along the streets,” parade organizer Mike Cole said.

Cole said there will be local politicians, hula hoop entertainers and several bands in the parade this year as well.

The annual Seaway Festival Car Show & Flea Market will take place Sunday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring upwards of 300 show cars.

The show is described by event organizers as the car largest show in St. Lawrence County and sees over 1,000 spectators. More than 70 trophies will be awarded.

Wine vendors have been added this year and there will be several food vendors selling treats.

To register a vehicle for the show contact Kyle “Fireball’ Hartman at 344-8882 or 344-7247 or email kyle57@twcny.rr.com.

A kickball tournament and duck race round out Sunday’s things to do. First place in the duck race is $500. Sponsor a duck for $5 from any festival committee member or at River Rat Designs, 1801 Ford St.

For more details, visit http://ogdensburgseawayfestival.org/.