Newfoundland & blog Miguel on 12 Aug 2006 10:09 am
The Regatta
The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest sporting event in North America. It’s traditionally held on the first Wednesday of August, though it can be postponed if the weather conditions
(usually wind) aren’t favourable on Quidi Vidi Lake.
The event is known simply as “The Regatta” to St. John’s residents. It means a holiday and (usually) a nice leisurely stroll around the lake. Tens of thousands of people attend the event, playing games of chance and patronizing food vendors. Sort of your typical small town festival or fair on steroids.
The races themselves — the whole point of the event — become secondary for most townies. Most don’t even know who is racing, and barely pay attention when a race is in progress. The on-shore distractions are too great: food, gambling, the beer tent, bouncy-castles, live music.
This year the weather wasn’t people-friendly. It rained. The organizers of the event did not postpone it as they have in the past. The weather may have been miserable for those walking around Quidi Vidi, but it was ideal for those actually on the lake.
on 12 Aug 2006 at 11:05 am 1.ThePodunkian said …
All hail the Port a Potty, the one thing that unites all Canadians!
I spent a year in Newfoundlan in younger days, St. John’s is one of the GREAT Canadian cities. If you’re looking for a break from the regular vacation type things to do, book a trip to Newfoundland, lots to do, lots to see, lots to drink!
Regatta week if I remember correctly (fat chance)is one of the big festival type things they do there.
Folks from all the baytowns like Carbonear, Harbour Grace, Heart’s Content and Desire et al, pile in for the festival.
Too bad the weather didn’t co-operate, Quidi Vidi is quite the sight in the sunshine with the boats flying by.
That said it all looked like many a Seafest we’ve had here over the years.