Milton's Summer Kickoff gets into high gear Saturday

Ultralights from the South Shore Outboard Association head into a turn during a recent Three Ponds Challenge. (Rochester Voice file photo)

MILTON - Milton's annual Summer Kickoff Weekend is set for this Saturday and Sunday with plenty of high-speed boat racing, rock wall climbing and temps near 80 to make the weather feel like the event it's named for.

The boat racing as usual is compliments of the South Shore Outboard Association's Milton Three Ponds Challenge.

These ultralight boats can top 50 or 60 mph and scores of participants in several different boat weight and operator age categories will be vying for championship points as they race around a tight course inside Townhouse Pond.

Entrance to the beach is at 9 a.m. each day with boat races beginning around noon. Milton Rec, which is hosting the event, is asking for a donation to the town's Arts in the Park Summer Fest to gain entry to the beach on both days.

Milton Rec will have plenty of food options for eventgoers, including hot dogs, pizza, chili, cotton candy and popcorn.

Meanwhile, Milton Police, Fire and Rescue and Public Works will all be on hand giving tours of their vehicles for kids to see up close and personal.

Registration will also be available for Camp 3 Ponds, a summer camp. Camp packets and weekly forms will be available for parents.

The rock wall climbing, which should be a big hit with youth, is set for Sunday at noon as part of a program "Libraries Rock" hosted by MFPL.

Milton Rec Director Karen Brown noted that many of the major events are on Sunday this year, but boat racing will be under way both days.