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The Harpswell Lobster Boat Races Committee is proud to announce that the 2026 races will take place on Sunday, July 26, with a rain date of Sunday, Aug. 2.
Race registration will take place from 8-9 a.m. at Erica’s Seafood. The races will start between 10 and 11 a.m. There will be up to 33 races, featuring both working and nonworking boats.
New this year, early registration will be available at Pammy’s Ice Cream Parlor from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. Cash and checks, payable to Harpswell Lobster Boat Races Committee, will be accepted. Registration is $20.
First-, second- and third-place finishers will earn cash or merchandise prizes, which will be distributed on the water from the committee float.
For spectators who don’t have a boat or prefer to watch from land, there will be a viewing party at George J. Mitchell Field. Binoculars are encouraged to enhance visibility. Spectators are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and handheld VHF radios for better listening.
There will be ample free parking at Mitchell Field and limited accessible parking. Cars with disabled occupants or occupants with limited mobility may drop off passengers closer to the event, but those drivers will need to return to general parking and walk down to the event site. Spectators should be prepared to walk a short distance from the parking area in the field to the shore to view the races.
The public boat ramp will be closed for the day starting at 8 a.m.
Race merchandise will be available for purchase at Mitchell Field or on the water at the committee float. All proceeds from merchandise sales go to the Harpswell Santa Fund, an organization that supports the Harpswell community. Last year, the races raised and donated $30,000.
There will be a raffle table, with all proceeds from raffles donated to the Harpswell Santa Fund. Items up for raffle include gift cards from local businesses, gift baskets, craft items and artwork.
Mitchell Field will have several fun, family-friendly attractions, including lawn games and food trucks.
There are always opportunities to support the races by volunteering or making a donation. For more information, email harpswellboatraces@gmail.com or go to harpswellboatraces.com.
