Boaters looking for fun this weekend could earn cash prizes whenFranklin County’s 26th Annual Homochitto River Race streams throughthe national forest Saturday.

The race features two classes, Canoe and Open. While Canoe isself-explanatory, the Open class covers any other entries, saidevent organizer Mary Lou Webb. No power boats are allowed.

“I think one guy tried in an inner tube one year,” she said witha chuckle, adding that kayaks are the most popular craft used inthe category.

The race, approximately 1.5 miles long, starts at the U.S.Highway 98 bridge near Bude, and ends at Sullivan’s Crossing. Cashprizes of $200 in the Open class and $100 in the Canoe class are upfor grabs. Each entrant will receive a T-shirt and is eligible fora door prize, she said. A trophy will be presented to the overallwinner.

A special prize will be awarded to the first Franklin Countycouple to complete the race.

The race begins at 8 a.m., but entrants are encouraged to arrivebetween 7 and 7:30 a.m., Webb said. There is a $10-per-person entryfee.

Contestants must wear a personal flotation device tocompete.

“We’ve got a lot of people registering for it,” Webb said.

More than 50 entries competed in the event last year.