The Dewey Business Partnership’s annual canoe races are set to begin at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, at the bayside beach between the Lighthouse and Rusty Rudder. 

“Sign-ups are open, and while a lot of restaurants and businesses sign up as teams, we want people to know that this event is open to everyone,” said Kelly Ranieri, Dewey Business Partnership executive director. “We had a family from Bethany Beach win two years ago. It was really exciting!”

A staple since the 1990s, the canoe races bring spirited competition to Dewey. The Rusty Rudder team will be defending its 2025 title. Everyone will have their eyes on last year’s champs to see if they are dethroned. Teams consist of two men and two women, and everyone on the team must be over the age of 18 to participate. Racers have to navigate a course in the fastest time to take the title of champion.