The 42nd running of the St. George River Race will take place on Saturday, March 25, at 11 a.m. The following Saturday, April 1, the 48th running of the Passagassawaukeag River Race will start at 11 a.m. The Waldo County YMCA is organizing the races again and all proceeds will benefit the WCY’s First Grade Swim Safety Program. Registration links for both races can be found at https://www.waldocountyymca.org/special-events.  

The Waldo County River Races open the racing season and are welcomed by paddlers as a harbinger of spring. Last year, more than 250 paddlers from three states competed in the two races. Win, place, and show honors are given in 20 categories, including events for Jr/Sr teams, Century teams (Combined ages 100 and above), and a Clydesdale category for teams tipping the scales over 450 pounds.  

“I’m excited the Waldo County YMCA has taken the reins for this event again,” said Dale Cross, a long time race organizer, in a news release. “It’s a wonderful Waldo County tradition.”   

The First Grade Swim Safety Program offers three hours of training, two in the pool, to all First Grade classes in Waldo County. This year, more than 120 children will go through the program, developing confidence in their water skills in the WCY’s warm water therapy pool. The program was initiated by a grant from the Bert and Coral Clifford through the Unity Foundation. Recently, the Savage Family Foundation has provided partial funding.   

Carolyn Steeves, WCY Aquatics Director, is thrilled to restart the First Grade Swim Safety Program after three dormant years during COVID. 

“I love teaching children how to be safe around the water and giving them the confidence to enjoy it,” she said.  

About the WCY

The WCY serves Waldo County as the hub for healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. In May of 1977, the WCY was created as a force for good in the community. It became a stand alone 501(c)3 charitable organization in 1995. After 23 years as a “Y without Walls”, the WCY opened a fitness facility with gymnasium, track, weight room, and studio. In 2009, the Tom and Sally Savage Pool Complex was added to fulfill its commitment to the community. In addition to the exercise and wellness facilities, the WCY offers high-quality, affordable childcare, after school programs for young teens, community activities for older adults, and sports leagues for children and adults.

The WCY Sustaining Sponsors, Robbins Lumber, Viking Lumber, Consumers Fuel, and First National Bank/First National Wealth Management ensure our programs remain affordable, high-quality, and community-focused.