What could be better than floating down a lazy river in a canoe or kayak? Organizers of Rigidized River Fest Regatta believe that the answer to that question is to “build your own boat”, and then paddle your heart out down the river. Every year, creative and crafty watercraft enthusiasts spend countless hours building their own vessels in order to compete in the regatta. Some of the boats are handsome and seaworthy, while others are a bit more clunky yet still seem to do the job. In the end, everyone is a winner in this regatta because it’s mostly about the experience than anything else. Then again, there are some who take the event very seriously, spending months building their creations in order to take home top honors and cash prizes – “Most Creative Vessel” and “Best Built Vessel”. The most creative vessel also wins the coveted 11th Annual Wilkeson Cup.
For those who don’t feel up to the challenge of building a boat, they are welcome to take part in the regatta simply by hopping aboard a traditional canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board. No matter the craft, the race begins at the foot of Smith Street and winds up at the NYSDEC canoe launch at Ohio Street. There is an even longer race (for kayaks and canoes) that launches from the NYSDEC launch at Harlem Road near Mineral Spring – all of the details can be found on www.rigidizedregatta.com.
Anyone looking to participate in the regatta can glean pertinent information below:
2016 Rigidized River Fest Regatta | Saturday, June 18, 2016 | 11am sharp! |Entry fee is $30 per boat pre-sale ($35 the day of the event) for “Build Your Own” boats and $20 per boat presale ($25 the day of the event) for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.
Each pre-registered participant will receive a custom designed Rigidized Metals River Fest Regatta t-shirt. The last day to pre-register is Monday, June 6th. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Valley Community Association and Buffalo River Fest Park.
The Valley Community Association bus will shuttle individuals to and from the launch sites and to the Buffalo River Fest at Buffalo River Fest Park on Ohio Street. For more information and applications call 716-849-4780, visit www.rigidizedregatta.com, or “like” Rigidized Riverfest Regatta on Facebook.
The Rigidized River Fest Regatta is part of the Valley Community Association’s 16th Annual “Buffalo River Fest” which is scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 17th – 19th, 2016. The event will be held from 6pm to Midnight on Friday, from 11am to Midnight on Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday at Buffalo River Fest Park, located at 249 Ohio Street, Buffalo, NY, near Michigan Avenue.
For more information on the 16th Annual Buffalo River Fest or on the Valley Community Association visit www.thevalleycenter.com, “like” Buffalo River Fest Park and the Valley Community Center on Facebook, follow on Twitter @VCAssociation or @BfloRFPark, or call 716-823-4707 ext. 2.