St. John boat races sign up 37 teams

St. John is expected to have another record-breaking year for boat participants during this season's kick-off event at Webb's Slough in St. John Saturday.

This year 37 teams, including 11 new teams, have entered, according to Amanda Webb.

Drivers and teams will travel from Australia, British Columbia, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Idaho and Washington to compete this weekend, she said.

Gates open at 9 a.m. for the boat races Saturday and racing starts at 10 a.m. Tickets for Saturday are $25 for adults, $15 for kids ages six to 17 and free for kids under five.

Parking for Saturday is $1 per car.

There also will be vendors, two beer gardens and helicopters rides.

Webb also said the St. John Cable Company is adding fiber to the venue this year for better internet access.

“There will be new food vendors and cosmetic improvements," she said.

The weekend will start with a trivia night at the Rialto Tavern Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Trivia teams can have up to eight people, and everyone must be 21 or over.

Camping will be available from Thursday starting at 10 a.m. and the fee is $25 for the entire weekend.

“We like to say it's first come, room for everyone,” Webb said.

On Friday, a Canuck Cup golf scramble will start at the St. John Golf Course at 10 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m. Tickets cost $30 per person, which includes lunch and drinks.

Boat drivers and teams will show off their boats at the show and shine event Friday in downtown St. John from 4 to 7 p.m. Downtown shops will be open and vendors will be set up.

Webb said the St. John volunteer fire department will serve a pancake breakfast by donation Saturday morning from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Slough campground.