The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee kicked off 200th anniversary celebrations of what has been deemed North America’s oldest continuing sporting event at the Quidi Vidi Boathouse Monday morning.
Practice sessions began Monday, but while the schedule of spins by Regatta crews will be tmuch the same as in previous years, this will be unlike any other Regatta, especially in the week for the 2018 event, set for Aug. 1.
Tentative planned activities include a re-enactment of the march to the lake, where rowers carried racing shells, a fun regatta for former rowers, an ecumenical service and blessing of Quidi Vidi Lake and a public opening of the Regatta Museum in the days leading up to Regatta Day and on Regatta Day itself. In addition, a Regatta Eve (July 31) concert and fireworks display are in the works.
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. Plans for Regatta Day include celebrity race starters, special performances and a lunchtime concert.
In the days just prior to the Regatta, plans are for the following:
- July 27 — a 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 to be held following the championship races on Regatta Day)
