BAINBRIDGE – The 51st annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta is set to kick-off Friday with the festivities continuing through Monday.

Home to the longest single-day flat water canoe race in the world, the The General Clinton Canoe Regatta begins at the source of the Susquehanna River on Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, finishing at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.

An estimated 3,000 amateur, professional and Olympic hopefuls will participate in the races over the course of the weekend, and $25,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded in total.

There are more than 50 races in one- or two-person categories throughout the weekend. According to co-chair John Harmon, any age can participate in one race or the other.

“We have added a four-person canoe class ... larger boats carrying four people,” said Harmon. “It’s the first time ever in the Clinton.”

Harmon shared another new addition to the weekend: a Bike Nite, which kicks-off at 6 p.m. Friday. Bike Nite is sponsored by the Red Knights Chapter 40 Motorcycle Club. Entertainment will be provided by the Roundhouse Rockers from 7 to 10 p.m. Parking and admission are both free for the evening.

The Sixth Annual Dan Elwood Memorial 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk for Hospice kicks-off Saturday’s events at 9 a.m. A craft and flea market will take place all day.

In addition to the races scheduled, Saturday features Kids Day, including a bicycle giveaway by Main Event Amusements. Events geared toward children will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. The Ross Park Zoomobile, the Dancing Bear Puppet Show, and the Amazing Magicians will all be on hand to provide entertainment for children of all ages.

The Pam LeFever Memorial Canoe Parade on the River begins at 1 p.m. and starts in Sidney.

“This year, I am very excited again about the canoe parade,” said Harmon. “This year’s parade is especially exciting since we are honoring long-time Regatta supporter and past chairperson, Pam LeFever. Pam passed away since the last Regatta and we are naming the parade in her honor. She did so much for the Regatta. She is greatly missed.”