Nobody knows for certain, but the weather forecast looks good for tomorrow, Regatta Day, and for tonight, Regatta Eve.
It all kicks off tonight with an outdoor concert at Quidi Vidi starting at 6:00. Metrobus will have a park ‘n ride shuttle from Confederation Building starting at 5:45.
Environment Canada predicts temperatures in the high teens under sunny skies with light winds.
The Regatta Committee retreats to the War Room at about 5:30, has a discussion and takes a vote. The VOCM Metrobus Go/No Go usually comes shortly afterward.
The first race, the senior female #1, goes at 7:20 tomorrow morning with the championship rows set for 6:30 and 7:00 p.m.
Winners Circle Completes Lake Circuit
The brand new winners circle at Quidi Vidi Lake is officially open.
Rowers, past and present and of all ages gathered around the new winners circle this morning as finishing touches and final preparations happen around the lake as the countdown to Regatta Day is on.
The Winners Circle is officially open. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/ICIc7CE207
— Ben Murphy VOCM (@BenMurphyVOCM) August 6, 2019
However, the circle goes much further than what meets the eye. The stones that make up the circle, are engraved with course records from over the years, and with notes of why certain Regatta’s didn’t go ahead, like the Great Fire and the War.
On the backside is the Hall of Fame. Showcasing years of accomplishments dating back to 1987, when the Hall of Fame was established.
Regatta Committee President, Chris Neary says to have the project done on time for the Regatta was tough, and they’re very happy and excited to have the beautiful winners circle ready for tomorrow’s events.
Excitement, Booths Building Lakeside
Efforts are well underway now to set up concessions lakeside at Quidi Vidi for the 201st Royal St. John’s Regatta.
Food trucks have taken their places, booths are being hammered together, and prizes are being unloaded, preparing for the thousands of people expected to converge on the banks of Quidi Vidi for the Regatta.
Getting games ready for the kids! @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/K9yHUgPgVY
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) August 6, 2019
This is not Dave Strickland’s first Regatta—he’s with the CLB Old Comrades. He says for decades they’ve run a booth lakeside, raising money for the CLB Boys and Girls Camp, and scholarships.
Across the lake, Easter Seals NL is setting up their first ever cash wheel at the Regatta.
Samantha Parrell with Easter Seals says they’re hoping their first attempt at the cash wheel will be a success, and raise funds for ongoing repairs at their headquarters on Mt. Scio Road following a devastating plumbing-related flood.
