WINDHAM — The annual Fourth of July boat parade is setting sail this week.

“It's been going on for many years,” said Bill Schroeder, president of the Canobie Lake Protective Association. “It's a lot of fun.”

The Association hosts the event every July 4th with its sponsor, Canobie Lake Park. Boaters depart from Rocky Point at 1 p.m. and proceed around the lake back to the starting point. All sizes and types of boats are welcome to enter. Judges in kayaks observe the boats and award first-, second-, and third-place prizes for patriotic decorations.

Last year's first-place winners, Mark and Joanne Young, are leading this year's parade.

Residents look forward to the annual event and cheer the vessels on from the shore. A prime vantage point for enjoying the parade in on North Policy Street near the pumping station in Salem. Parking is available.

jhanson@newstote.com