The Royal St. John's Regatta Committee has outlined its plans for 200th anniversary celebrations surrounding the 2018 Regatta.
“Our goal is to provide the community with an opportunity to engage in this important piece of history,” said Regatta Committee president Chris Neary in a news release.
Tentative planned activities include a re-enactment of the march to the lake, where rowers carried racing shells, a fun regatta for former rowers, and an ecumenical service and blessing of Quidi Vidi Lake.
In addition, a Regatta Eve (July 31) concert and fireworks display are in the works.
Plans for Regatta Day, set for Aug. 1, include celebrity race starters, special performances and a lunchtime concert.
In the weeks leading up to 2018 Regatta, there will be a 200th anniversary reception and fundraiser, a legacy announcement and a Regatta exhibition at The Rooms.
In the days just prior to the Regatta, plans are for the following schedule:
• July 27 — rowers’ reunion
• July 28 — Fun Regatta for former rowers and friends; a doors-open event and public viewing of a race shell
• July 29 — re-enactment of taking a shell to Quidi Vidi Lake for the Regatta, an ecumenical service and blessing of the lake, an exhibition rowing/clinic and another public viewing of a race shell• July 31 — An evening concert and fireworks at dusk (if postponed, the event will be rescheduled fto be held following the championship races on Regatta Day)
On all days, including Regatta Day, there will be a public opening of the Regatta Museum.
