Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Freeport Canoe Race will be celebrating its 50th edition at Cow Meadow Park on Aug. 2, starting at 10 a.m., where residents and community members are welcomed to participate on land or in the water.
Associate Village Justice Susan Lyons has taken up the mantle of overseeing this year’s races after being heavily involved in the canoe races as a participant or organizer. She estimates that she has had a role in the Freeport Canoe Race in about 40 out of the 50 years of the event’s existence, which included a notable streak of ten consecutive wins in female heats.
“I love my village,” Lyons said. “It’s important to me because I want to see the village get together and incorporate all villagers into community events. Also, I’ve been brought up on the water. I have salt water in my veins, and I love any kind of activity involving our local waters in our bays, and to create awareness of the waterfront opportunities.”
Lyons expressed that the Freeport community has already begun showing its supportive of the canoe races in various ways.
“I reincorporated what we had done years ago, and the different businesses are sponsoring to have their employees go in and race,” Lyons said.
The entry fee to join the Freeport Canoe Race is $30 per person, with two people allowed for each canoe team. Participants will be allowed to be a part of unlimited races in their assigned heats, get a custom t-shirt and have the choice of a hamburger or hot dog included in the registration fee.
For those who would like to enjoy the races from dry land, the same food and water is available to them, plus they can enjoy the music provided by DJ Lindell and bust a move with a featured dance instructor. A special “Dunk Your Favorite Dignitary” dunk tank will also be a part of the festivities, with several Freeport officials and community leaders expected to volunteer to take the chance of being dunked by residents for an additional cost.
For interested racers, the canoes, life jackets and paddles will be provided. At least 70 teams are anticipated to partake in the event, with registration still open for those who have not signed up yet.
To sign yourself and a partner up for the Freeport Canoe Race, please contact the Freeport Chamber of Commerce at 516-223-8840 or via email at office@freeportchamberofcommerce.org.
