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Regatta races kick off with opening ceremony Saturday morning

By LAURA JAMESON ljameson@lockhaven.com 4 min read

LOCK HAVEN – The weather couldn't be more ideal for the 52nd Annual Labor Day Regatta.

"The sun is out, the water is clear and we're ready for some great races," announcer Matt Dagostino said before kicking off the first leg of elimination races Saturday morning.,

The Regatta, put on each year by the Labor Day Regatta Committee and Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association, kicked off Saturday morning with its opening ceremony at the J. Doyle Corman Amphitheater.

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 keynote 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."

Brennan briefly went over a few points of safety, including the continued construction of a walkway along Farrandsville Road.

"We've got a major road construction project underway right at the end of the bridge," she said. "It's a temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement."

Brennan noted the construction of the walkway will provide safer access from the city of Lock Haven to Riverview Park.

"You'll be able to take advantage of this when you come back next year for the 2024 Labor Day Regatta," she said. "Have a safe, thrilling, memorable weekend of racing," Brennan concluded.

Following Brennan's remarks, the crowd was asked to remove their hats and stand at attention as Valerie Sovie sang the National Anthem.

Soon enough, the timers were set, the boaters were in the water and the races were off.

The Regatta will continue now through Monday, Sept. 4 with races and lots to do at the Midway on Water Street. From rides, games, foods, arts and crafts and a multitude of vendors along with live music each night, there's always something to do during the Regatta this holiday weekend.

The midway will be open today until 10 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 3, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Monday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Entertainment on the Stephen Hill Memorial Stage on the corner of Water and Jay streets:

-- Saturday, Sept. 2, presented by Schlesinger Communications - WBPZ, Qwik Rock, WBLF, 92.1 WSQV and 106.9 WVSQ: Noon to 3 p.m., Troy Love & The Clerks; 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Red Wednesday; 7 to 10 p.m., Rise.

-- Sunday, Sept. 3, presented by Bear Country 99.9 FM (Celebrating its 30th Year): 12-9:45 p.m.; Girl & The Guitarist, Kopper & Kash, Echo & Sway, Ridin' Shotgun, Troy Love, Kids @ Heart and Private Stock Trio.

-- Monday, Sept. 4, presented by the volunteers of the Lock Haven Area Regatta: Noon to 3 p.m., Leo & Christian Family Tradition Band; 5 to 8 p.m., Rock of Ages Reunion: Act from Harlet, Sinner and Classic Rock-N-Roll Revival.

Fireworks are Sunday, Sept. 3, at 10 p.m. Weather postponement, if necessary, is set for Monday, Sept. 4, at 9 p.m.

The Regatta would like to thank the following sponsors:

-- 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

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