Over 200 racers flock to county for 52nd Annual Labor Day Regatta
LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Some racers are pictured during the weekend’s 52nd Annual Labor Day Regatta.
LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS A group of Regatta volunteers, who were involved in the coordination of the races, are pictured before kick off on Saturday morning.
ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Some of the regatta’s games and rides are pictured from atop the levee walkway.
Photos Courtesy of the Clinton County Visitors Bureau A group of racers speed up the river during the Regatta.
LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Julie Brennan, tourism director for the Clinton County Visitors Bureau, talks to racers and those in attendance of the opening ceremonies for the 52nd Annual Labor Day Regatta on Saturday morning.
LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS DuWayne Kunes, longtime Regatta organizer, speaks during opening ceremonies on Saturday morning.
LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Some racers are pictured during the weekend’s 52nd Annual Labor Day Regatta.
LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS A group of Regatta volunteers, who were involved in the coordination of the races, are pictured before kick off on Saturday morning.
ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Some of the regatta’s games and rides are pictured from atop the levee walkway.
Photos Courtesy of the Clinton County Visitors Bureau A group of racers speed up the river during the Regatta.
LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Julie Brennan, tourism director for the Clinton County Visitors Bureau, talks to racers and those in attendance of the opening ceremonies for the 52nd Annual Labor Day Regatta on Saturday morning.
LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS DuWayne Kunes, longtime Regatta organizer, speaks during opening ceremonies on Saturday morning.
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LOCK HAVEN -- With day after day of sunny skies, warm weather and good river levels, the 52nd Annual Labor Day Regatta was the place to be for the holiday weekend.
"The sun is out, the water is clear and we're ready for some great races," announcer Matt Dagostino said Saturday morning. That statement rang true throughout the multi-day racing -- put on each year by the Labor Day Regatta Committee and Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association.
Just over 200 racers, some local and others traveling from as far as Maine or Florida and even Washington state flocked to Clinton County for the races and annual regatta -- a staple in Lock Haven and Woodward Township for many years.
The event was kicked offed on Saturday morning with opening ceremonies, held each year by the committee.
DuWayne Kunes, longtime organizer for the Regatta, thanked everyone for attending the event. He introduced Clinton County Tourism Director Julie Brennan as this year's speaker, noting her upcoming retirement and her continued support for the Regatta each year.
Brennan kept her remarks brief, speaking to those at the amphitheater and across the West Branch of the Susquehanna River at the Lockport Boat Launch in Woodward Township.
She welcomed boaters, their friends and families and spectators on behalf of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
"We love to see new faces in the racing community, so welcome to you first-timers," she said. "And we know there are a lot of familiar faces, too, and we thank you for coming back year after year."
Brennan thanked the Regatta committee and Outboard Association for continuing to grow the event, which attracts over a hundred boaters each year to take part in the races.
"To the newcomers, I think you'll see why people keep coming back," she said.
Brennan noted the great setting for the races.
"It doesn't get any nicer than the Susquehanna River, with its beautiful mountain backdrop. So soak it all in," she encouraged.
Second, Brennan said the residents of Clinton County are excited for the visitors.
"We welcome you and want your stay to be a memorable one," she said. "You'll find Clinton County people to be a friendly group."
Soon enough, the timers were set, the boaters were in the water and the races were off.
The Regatta featured pulse pounding races along with rides, games, foods, arts and crafts and multiple vendors at its Midway on Main Street. And, of course, live music.
The Regatta thanked the following sponsors for their support:
-- Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association
-- American Power Boat Association
-- Schlesinger Communications - WBPZ, Qwik Rock, WBLF, 92.1 WSQV and 106.9 WVSQ
-- Bear Country 99.9 FM
-- Supported by a Tourism and Recreation Grant from the Clinton County Visitor Bureau and County
-- Geisinger Medical Center
-- Commissioners
-- P&D Games, LLC, Lock Haven
-- Lock Haven 40&8, Club 903
-- Castanea Fire Company No. 1
-- Lock Haven American Legion
-- Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 4298