BAINBRIDGE – What started as a one-day, small-time race has become a giant among regatta races across the country.

The 53rd General Clinton Canoe Regatta, hosted by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, kicks off its four-day event today with its generation gap races, and culminates with the 70-mile pro race on Monday.

In between, there are plenty of activities, events, and live music – especially on Saturday – to satiate even those who will remain exclusively land-bound.

"It's really two different events," John Harmon, chair of the regatta said. Harmon was alluding to the dichotomy of those who are competing, and patrons who visit General Clinton Park for everything else that is offered over the four days.

Harmon said that around 1,000 canoeists and kayakers have registered for the races, although that number may climb for amateur races Friday through Sunday in which many divisions allow for same-day registration.

Last year's professional race was perhaps the most thrilling – and closest – since the inauguration of the regatta. With a $3,000 first-place prize on the line, Guillame Blais and Mathieu Pellerin of Quebec outpaddled Mathieu St. Pierre of Quebec and Ryan Halstead of Michigan down the stretch winning by less than a second.