On June 10, boaters will gather at Norway Pond in Hancock for Avenue A’s Blindfolded Boat Race – a canoe race, with a twist.

Teams of two raise funds for Avenue A’s programs for youth to enter the race. Each canoe has a navigator who sits in the back of the boat and yells directions to the blindfolded paddler in the front of the canoe.

Boaters will race from the Norway Pond Beach in a loop that returns to the boat launch. This event is free to watch. Popcorn and baked goods will be available by donation.

This year’s race includes more than 20 teams, including returning racers and rookies, vying for Golden Paddle prizes. Prize categories include Fastest Time and Best Costume/Boat Décor. Last year’s fastest racers, “The Foecking Paddlers” are returning to defend their title. They’ll face competition from a field of teams with names that allude to boat themes such as “The Blazing Paddles,” “The Fashionistas” and “Hobbits for a Cause.”

Organizations are raising funds for Avenue A and entering the race, including the Antrim Police Department, Renew Church, All Saints’ Church, Hancock Congregational Church, the New Hampshire Children’s Trust and Family Support New Hampshire. Teams of teenagers from Avenue A are also racing, sponsored by local organizations and individuals, including Monadnock Community Hospital, Antrim Presbyterian Church, Flag Leaf Bakery and Jim Creighton.

The race kicks off Avenue A’s NH Gives Campaign, which starts on June 11 and ends June 12. Avenue A’s fundraising goal for this campaign is $20,000.

As a program of The Grapevine Family & Community Resource Center, Avenue A is a regional teen center based in Antrim. Avenue A partners with rural teens age 11 to 19 to build resilience, navigate challenging circumstances and develop young leaders. With the support of over 60 volunteers, Avenue A runs year-round afternoon and evening enrichment programs for teens.

Three hundred teens from 18 towns participate in Avenue A from across the ConVal School District and surrounding towns.