Woolwich Day planners are floating a new idea for this summer’s annual celebration – a canoe-kayak race across Nequasset Lake. The race to be held rain or shine begins at 9 a.m. at the north end of the lake off Old Stage Road, Saturday, Aug. 4.

Selectman Jason Shaw said Woolwich Fire Department and EMS would be on the lake to monitor the race, which ends at the town landing at Nequasset Park.

“This event will be a first for Woolwich and we’re hoping we’ll get a good turnout. We want folks to have a good time but also to be safe,” he said.

Shaw said Kyle Beeton is coordinating the race that will have separate categories and prizes for the winners. A small entry fee is planned. Further details about the race will be forthcoming.

The annual community-wide celebration begins the evening before the race Friday, Aug. 3, with a chicken barbecue dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at the fire station and hosted jointly by the fire department and Recreation Committee. Tickets are available at the door with proceeds to benefit both groups, said Shaw.

Saturday’s activities on the grounds surrounding the town office begin at 9 a.m. The Woolwich Historical Society will open the doors of its 19th century farmhouse museum and barn, offering free admission and tours for the day. Visitors can see Native American artifacts, a 19th century kitchen, handmade quilts, spinning wheels, antique farm tools and more.

The Society is currently collecting books and puzzles for its popular Woolwich Day Book Sale. Items can be dropped off at the museum on Sundays 12-4. Please no magazines, textbooks or manuals.

Baked goods are also needed for the Aug. 4 bake sale, and can be dropped off the morning of the event.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Dr. Alan Baughcum of Day’s Ferry Congregational Church will conduct the traditional “Blessing of the Animals” service on the lawn of Nequasset Meeting House across from the fire station.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a collection of vintage cars and trucks will be on display on the lawn of the meeting house.

Shaw said there would be lots of activities for kids. Some of the activities will be under the supervision of Woolwich’s Junior Firefighters. The popular “Bounce House” will return and new this year will be a children’s obstacle course.

There’ll be lots of food to enjoy including baked goods, Hennin’s homemade ice cream, fresh-squeezed lemonade and cotton candy that’s free for the kids. Local artisans are invited to sell arts and crafts. Interested parties can contact the town office to learn more. A silent auction is again on tap with prizes raffled every half hour.

Shaw will be manning the grill cooking hot dogs and hamburgers for sale along with soft drinks.

Shaw added about next month's event,“There’s no admission charge and you don’t have to be a Woolwich resident to attend. Come one, come all and bring the kids too!”