The always popular Anything That Floats Race will once again be a featured event of the WaterFront Center's 6th annual Bay Day on Sunday, June 4, at Beekman Beach in Oyster Bay. Don't miss this wacky fun race, which challenges participants to create an outrageous floating device made of nontraditional materials. The race is a great way to jump-start a summer full of fun in the outdoors.

"This year's races will be improved in several ways," said Gaye Verdi, executive director of the WaterFront Center. Sponsors will award two winning children's teams with a $500 prize for their school or favorite charity. Also, canoe shaped boats will have their own race and will not race with other types of entries. "Experience has shown us that the canoe shaped boats really have an advantage over the other shapes. It will be more fair to have them race together and not against raft types," said Ms. Verdi. Perhaps the most important change this year is the addition of a temporary sound system that will help organizers communicate with racers. "Having voices carry over the water can and has made it very hard for racers to receive directions. It has also made it difficult to adequately recognize participants and winners. Both kids and adults put a lot of work into their boats and they deserve to have their names broadcast to the friends, family, and community that come to watch. We hope this addition will make a great event even better," explained Ms. Verdi.

The event is free if you register before May 26, and $40 per boat thereafter. There are four categories: #1 Speedster Challenge - a non-canoe shaped boat constructed and crewed by one person age 19 or older; #2 Student Team Challenge - two to four constructors/crew per non-canoe shaped boat with at least half the crew ages 12 and under; #3 Student Team Challenge - two to four constructors/crew per non-canoe shaped boat with all crew ages 13 to 18; #4 Canoe Shaped Challenge - two or more constructors/crew per canoe type boat with any age paddlers.

In addition to the winners, the most creative entry and the entry with the best use of environmental materials will be recognized. Race on your own, grab a few friends, or stir up a fun-loving rivalry between neighbors, schools, fire departments, or any other group.

Also at this year's Bay Day will be Grammy award-winning singer songwriter Tom Chapin. Tom Chapin will play two sets on Bay Day at noon and 2 p.m. The day's musical stage will open at 11 a.m. with traditional sea shanties sung by the musical group STOUT. Appearing at 1 p.m. will be Buddy Merriam and Back Roads-one of the regions top traditional bluegrass acts. The Anything That Floats Race will begin when the music stage closes at 3 p.m.

Other Bay Day activities include environmental education displays for children, free sails aboard the WaterFront Center's historic oyster sloop Christeen, the Power Squadron's annual Blessing of the Fleet, free kayak trails with Eastern Mountain Sports and the Long Island Paddlers Association, a sailing regatta, viewing of the tall ship Lettie G. Howard and more. A trolley will circulate through the downtown area-helping move people to and from Beekman Beach and helping participants patronize local businesses. "Bay Day is The WaterFront Center's gift to the community and a special way to start a summer of water related fun," said Ms. Verdi.

Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a picnic lunch. Food will be available, but limited. To receive more information about Bay Day or to register for the Anything That Floats Race, please contact the WaterFront Center at 922-7245.

To register for the Anything That Floats Race, or to receive more information about Bay Day, please contact the WaterFront Center at 922-7245.

The WaterFront Center is a not for profit organization located in Oyster Bay and dedicated to teaching people about the marine environment and to promoting the safe, enjoyable use of marine resources.