This year’s Harpswell Lobster Boat Races will honor a young Harpswell lobsterman who died in a vehicle crash last fall by featuring his buoy colors on event merchandise, with proceeds going to a local charity.
Mason Warren, 21, died in late October when he crashed his pickup truck on Mountain Road in Harpswell. No other vehicles were involved.
Warren was a beloved member of the local lobstering community who died on the way to his boat, according to Amanda Peacock, a longtime committee member, apparel coordinator and treasurer for the races.
“The color scheme of our shirts this year matches his buoy colors (blue, yellow and black) … in honor of him,” Peacock said, adding that all proceeds from merchandise sales will go to the Harpswell Santa Fund.
The annual racing event — now in its 31st year — is expanding, she said, with the addition of new race categories, including fastest working boat, and another food truck.
The event will be held for the second consecutive year in Middle Bay, with viewing and merchandise sales at George J. Mitchell Field, 1410 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell. The races will start at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 30.
Peacock said the race organizers are in need of additional staffing for the event, which relies entirely on volunteers. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to email harpswellboatraces@gmail.com. More information can be found at harpswellboatraces.com.
Last year’s event raised about $17,000 for charity, Peacock said.
