CANTON -- The 57th Canton Canoe Weekend, a tradition in J. H. Rushton’s honor, will take place on the Grasse River in Canton on May 4, 5 and 6 this spring.

The weekend event opens with the Rushton Tour, a 4-mile downstream paddle along the historic racecourse Friday evening, and continues Saturday and Sunday with a variety of recreational, amateur and pro races, featuring St Lawrence Health Systems C-1 Pro World Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The race draws competitors from across the U.S. and Canada. There is a place in the lineup for all sorts, from casual paddlers to pros, with canoes, kayaks or paddleboards. Races vary in length from 1 to 14 miles.

The family-friendly event held at Taylor Park on Miner Street Road features a chicken barbeque hosted by FFA on Saturday afternoon, and music by DJ Double Dutch on Saturday and Sunday.

Canton was home to John Henry Rushton and his famed boat works, founded in 1875 along the banks of the Grasse River. In his honor, this historic event began in 1962, and was originally known as the “Rushton Memorial Canoe Race.”

Whatever your skill or choice of watercraft, all are welcome to come out and join in the fun.

For more information visit www.slvpaddlers.org or Canton Canoe Weekend’s Facebook page, or contact Gene Newman at 315-323-0946.