The Rigidized River Fest Regatta was one of the first events to be held on the Buffalo River that opened up the doors for other current events to follow. The regatta showed that many Buffalonians were willing and able to get back out onto our waterways, while having fun in the process. Whether it’s a kayak/canoe, or a handmade watercraft, there’s a class in the regatta for all water enthusiasts, and each year the event attracts new participants and spectators alike.
Today, kayakers and canoeists can choose from either the rugged 6-mile trek, or they can join the build-your-own-boaters for the 3-mile meandering leg of the journey. Either way, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the Buffalo River’s historical elements, along with promoting the recent clean-up initiatives.
After the regatta, join friends and family at Buffalo Riverfest… one of the best grassroots festivals around, now held at the inspirational RiverFest Park right on the Buffalo River. Following are all of the details that you will need to know to participate in the regatta… or come down as a spectator and have a blast partying in the old First Ward!
The Rigidized River Fest Regatta | Saturday June 15, 2013
In the “Float Your Boat” category there are no restrictions or limitations other than your imagination. The boat voted the “Most Creative Seaworthy Vessel” will win the 8th Annual Wilkeson Cup and find a treasure prize of $1000. The runner up will receive $500.
Start dreaming and designing and build a vessel to venture down the Buffalo River from the foot of Smith Street to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Canoe Launch on Ohio Street. Kayaks and canoes can choose to do the six mile regatta which begins at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Launch at Harlem Road near Mineral Springs. For the less ambitious, canoes and kayaks can launch at the foot of Smith Street with the “Float Your Boat” crafts for a three mile trek down the river.
The start time for the event is 11am sharp! The entry fee is $20 per person (pre-sale) and $25 per person the day of the event. Pre-registered participants will receive a custom designed Rigidized River Fest Regatta t-shirt and those that register after pre-registration will receive shirts as supplies last. The Valley Community Association bus will shuttle individuals to and from the launch sites and to the Buffalo River Fest on Ohio Street at Buffalo River Fest Park.
For more information on the regatta call 716-849-4780 or visit www.rigidizedregatta.com.
The Rigidized River Fest Regatta is part of the Valley Community Association’s 13th Annual “Buffalo River Fest”, which is scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 14th – 16th, 2013. The event will be held from 6pm to Midnight on Friday, from 11am to Midnight on Saturday, and Noon to 7pm on Sunday at Buffalo River Fest Park, located at 249 Ohio Street, Buffalo, NY, near Michigan Avenue.
There will be fun for the whole family! Events include a waterfront photo and memorabilia display, food and refreshments, a beer garden, a kids area, an arts & crafts show, historic tours along the Buffalo River, live entertainment, “I Got It” Bingo, a Father’s Day fishing contest, a Kan Jam Tournament, rides aboard the E.M. Cotter Fireboat, and more!!
For more information on the 13th Annual Buffalo River Fest or on the Valley Community Association visit www.thevalleycenter.com, “like” the Valley Community Center on Facebook, or call 716-823-4707 ext. 2.