BAINBRIDGE – The Bainbridge community is preparing to host more than 5,000 visitors this week to kick off the 45th annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta.

Opening ceremonies for the race are set to begin this Friday at 6:30 p.m. at General Clinton Park.

The regatta is a world championship 70-mile flat water endurance race which starts at Otsego Lake, Cooperstown, and finishes at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.

“We enjoy helping the community and promoting our local area,” said Pam LeFever, the Regatta chairperson. This is LeFever’s fifth year as Regatta chairperson and she is referred to as “the five star general,” by her colleagues, she said.

This year’s event will attract nearly 50 exhibitors and vendors. The grounds of the General Clinton Park on Rt. 7 will be transformed into a weekend carnival complete with rides, food and even a 25-foot rock climbing wall. Fireworks displays will cap off the evenings on Saturday and Sunday.