OLD TOWN – Activities on land and water will highlight a busy weekend here when the Old Town Canoe World Record Challenge and Canoe Regatta is held July 31.

The day’s activities will start at 9 a.m. and will feature such activities as a nine-mile U.S. National War Canoe Championship; recreational, traditional and canvas canoe races; the Canoe City Three-Mile Road Race; carnival rides at Old Town City Park; and plane rides at the Old Town airport.

The day’s highlight will be the attempt by race organizers to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest free-floating raft of canoes and kayaks in the water at the same time.

The record for the canoe raft is 376, set in 1990 by the People’s Association Youth Movement in Singapore. The challenge will begin at 11 a.m.

Scott Phillips of Old Town Canoe, the organizer of the World Record Challenge and the War Canoe Championship, said it is appropriate that the record be held by Old Town – also called Canoe City.

“This is the third straight year Old Town Canoe has hosted the U.S. National War Canoe Championship, and we’ve had great turnouts each time,” said Phillips.

“We’re asking everyone who enters the World Record Challenge to make a $5 donation to benefit the Maine Muscular Dystrophy Association,” he added. “Even if you’re not taking part in the world record, you can still help out with a contribution.”

The road race will begin at 9 a.m. The regatta races will start at noon. A dance will begin the weekend at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Registration for the challenge and canoe regatta will be held from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the North Fourth Street Boat Landing off Main Stre10:30 a.m. at the North Fourth Street Boat Landing off Main Street in Old Town. Entry fees are $7 for the canoe races and for the road race and $5 for the challenge.

Those seeking more information may contact Phillips at Old Town Canoe, 827-5513, or Nanette Dyer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 878-3749.