Update: This weekend's race has been canceled, with the organizers citing weather concerns. "The Cypress Creek Regatta race course is located at the downstream end of two large watersheds; Cypress and Spring Creeks. Due to the high probability of heavy rain and the related high risk of flash flooding, the Cypress Creek Regatta is cancelled for September 17, 2016." T-shirts for the event can still be picked up at the Bayou Preservation Association office at 2990 Richmond Ave., Suite 500, starting on Monday, September 19.

Houston is known for its abundant waterways, and the Bayou Preservation Association’s third annual Cypress Creek Regatta is the perfect excuse to get up close and personal with what gives the Bayou City its iconic nickname.

Kayakers, canoers and stand-up paddleboarders of all levels will compete in this weekend's Triple Crown Championship, one of the longest paddle races in Texas, as participants cruise down 7.5 miles of scenic waterways filled with wildflowers, wildlife and rolling terrain. Spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on the racers when they kick off at Mercer Arboretum in Spring, then meet them at the finish line in Humble. Those racing will be raising money for the Bayou Preservation Association, which helps protect the city's 2,500 miles of waterways.

After the race, the Bayou Preservation Association will provide live music, food and drink vendors and, of course, an award ceremony to honor the winners in each class. It’s the perfect weekend event for both families and individuals, and will raise funds to maintain, preserve and conserve our beloved Houston-area waterways.

The regatta will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 17 with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The race begins at Mercer Arboretum and finishes at Jesse H. Jones Park in Humble. If you’d like to register (yes, there's still time!) or want more information, visit Cypress Creek Regatta.