CAMDEN — Get involved, get wet, get fishy, get building, and get nautical at this year’s Camden Windjammer Festival. Labor Day weekend’s Windjammer Festival in Camden is beautiful boats, fireworks, entertainment, maritime heritage and more! For those looking to get right into it, Camden's Public Landing has activities to entertain and engage everyone.

New this year is the First Fish Relay Race on Saturday at 2 p.m. Teams of two race to get their fish to market through an obstacle course on the public landing. Hold on to the slippery fish through the “squall zone” “choppy seas” and “seaweed jungle”. Hand off to a partner who continues the challenge. Teams can be made up of two adults, children or one of each. Fastest time wins.

Also on Saturday, teams are invited to enter the Build-a-Boat contest which begins at 9 a.m. The contest engages teams to build the most sea-worthy vessel out of materials supplied by EBS and Sikaflex. Building will take place on the Public Landing or at home and boats will be put through their paces with a race in the harbor at noon on Sunday.

On Saturday morning the ever popular Crate Race challenges the fleet of foot. Test your speed and dexterity across slippery lobster crates in the inner harbor. Bring sensible shoes, a towel, and a big helping of luck. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the race slips off at 11 a.m. from the docks at the public landing.

After the Build-a-Boat race on Sunday at 1 p.m., local experts will provide the opportunity for young and old to try out some nautical skills. Learn the basics of navigation, raise a sail, pull an anchor and more on the landing and on board the sloop Persistence at the dock. Those completing the course will receive their Windjammer Mate Certification and a flapjack.

All these fun events are free but numbers are limited. Visit camdenwindjammerfestival.org for more information, schedule of events and entry forms. Forms for the build-a-boat, first fish relay race and nautical skills can be mailed in advance to Camden Windjammer Festival, PO Box 1474, Camden Maine 04843, emailed to info@camdenwindjammerfestival.org or turned in at the festival information table on the weekend. Registration for the crate race is only on Saturday at 9 a.m.

For those looking for more sedate participation, there is chowder to taste, pancakes to eat, exhibits to browse, boats to visit and much more. Spectators and cheerleaders encouraged for all events.