The Waldo County Y River Races are set for two upcoming Saturdays. More than 300 racers in 200-plus boats will test their mettle and celebrate the beginning of spring.

The 44th St. George River Race is March 29. The Passagassawakeag River Race is set for April 5.

To celebrate the the 50th anniversary of the “Passy Race,” L.L. Bean has donated a canoe that will be raffled off April 5. Tickets cost $20 apiece or three for $50. They are available online or by coming to the Waldo County YMCA.

The races are a major fundraiser for the Y’s aquatics and swim safety programs, which include swim lessons year round, low-cost lifeguard certification courses, and free swim safety classes offered to all public first-grade students in the county.

Both races start at 11 a.m. For more information about the races and to sign up, go to waldocountyymca.org.

Those wanting to watch can take to the Ghent Road bridge in Searsport or Route 105 in Appleton on March 29, or the Poors Mills Road Bridge in Belfast on April 5.

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