The 41st edition of the Mattawa River Canoe Race is coming up on Saturday.

It’s so popular this year on the competitive side that the registration period is over with 130 participants and 70 boats signed up for the 64 km event.

Communications and Outreach Supervisor Sue Buckle says this event is attracting more interest this year.

She says they have some new paddlers coming in this year.

Buckle says there will be competitors from a half dozen provinces.

Buckle says they are getting competitors from the Muskoka area and a circuit has developed and that’s attracting more interest.

She says there are openings in the 13 kilometre family and youth division.

Buckle says that event starts at noon from the Samuel De Champlain Park while the competitive division begins earlier from Olmstead Beach.

Buckle says family and youth participants can register with the conservation authority or starting at 11:30 am on event day at Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park Saturday.