On June 20, 2015, a fleet of DIY floating vessels will take to the waters of the Buffalo River to compete in the annual Rigidized River Fest Regatta. This race has been going on for years, well before the Buffalo River became a popular place to visit along the shores of the waterfront. The race has been running for 20 years in fact. In the past, homemade watercraft, canoes and kayaks have competed for cash prizes, in categories that include “Most Creative Vessel”, “Best Built Vessel”, “Build Your Own Boat” and “Most Creative Vessel” aka the Annual Wilkeson Cup. New to the race this year is the SUP, or Stand Up Paddleboard.
The race for the DIY category starts at the foot of Smith Street, and ends at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Canoe Launch on Ohio Street. For canoes and kayaks, the journey is six miles, starting at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Launch at Harlem Road near Mineral Springs. If the six mile trek is too much, kayak and canoe participants can join the DIY fleet for the shorter three-mile journey.
No matter which event you are joining, the races start at 11am sharp.
The regatta is part of an even larger event called “Buffalo River Fest”. 2015 marks the 15 year anniversary for River Fest. Participants are welcome, as are spectators who can watch the races from numerous spots along the Buffalo River.
Rigidized River Fest Regatta | Valley Community Association’s 15th Annual “Buffalo River Fest” | Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 19 – 21, 2015 | 6pm to Midnight on Friday | 11am to Midnight on Saturday | 11am to 5pm on Sunday | Buffalo River Fest Park | 249 Ohio Street, Buffalo, NY, near Michigan Avenue
*The 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. 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. For more information visit www.thevalleycenter.com. Events and activities include the regatta, a waterfront photo and memorabilia display, “I Got It” Bingo, historic tours, a kids area, a kids fishing contest, vendors, food and refreshments, vendors, softball tournament, and more. Live entertainment will be provided by The Strangers (Friday), Getting Better and Flip Side (Saturday), and Only Humen (Sunday).