After being honored with the American Canoe Association (ACA) 2015 Event of the Year Award, the Penobscot River Whitewater Nationals Regatta, hosted by the Penobscot Indian Nation, returns to Old Town, Bradley, Orono, Veazie, and Eddington on Maine’s historic Penobscot River from July 6-10.

Prospective race participants are encouraged to signup online at paddleguru.com by Saturday, June 25, after which race fees increase by $25.

Commencing with an official practice day and opening ceremony on Wednesday, July 6, this year’s Regatta continues with four consecutive days of canoe and kayak racing to include men’s, women’s, youth, mixed, and SUP (standup paddleboard) classes — from Thursday, July 7 through Sunday, July 10.

Four racecourses — a 9-mile Downriver, a ¼-mile Sprint, a Youth, and a Wildwater — each offer the participants Class I, II, and III whitewater action, with plenty of spectator locations. All Sprint races will be held at the Great Works Rapid and offer spectators the chance to see racers negotiate the entire racecourse in two to three minutes.

These events became possible because of the removal of the Great Works Dam in Old Town (2012) and the Veazie Dam (2013), accomplished by the Penobscot River Restoration Project — a collaborative endeavor of the Penobscot Nation, various conservation groups, and State of Maine and federal agencies — which freed up the river from Old Town to the sea, providing three major sets of connected rapids for recreational enthusiasts along with restoration of eleven species of sea-run fish.

For additional information, see penobscotriverwhitewaternationalsregatta.com or contact the Race Committee Chair Scott Phillips at (207) 852-0680 orscott@waterwaysports.com.