Pocono News Section

Getting Ready for the Regatta

Getting Ready for the Regatta - Friday, August 29, 2008 at 5:44PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, Aug 29, 2008 @ 05:44pm EST
Lock Haven, Clinton County-

It's looking good for the annual Jaycees Labor Day Regatta this weekend in Lock Haven. The event is expected to attract up to forty thousand people.

The streets are blocked off and they're getting everything ready. From craft stands and live music to fireworks and great food, there's something for everybody.

Jaycees Vice President Scott Johnson noted, "Basically everything, hamburgers, hotdogs, sticky buns, anything you'd want is pretty much here."

Admission is free and so is the live entertainment. But don't be afraid to spend some cash, all the proceeds will be used by the Jaycees in the Lock Haven area.

Johnson explained, "We put on free senior dinners throughout the year, free Easter egg hunts, and it just keeps us afloat through the entire year. Without this event, we probably wouldn't function for the year."

And of course the boat races are one of the main attractions of the Jaycees Labor Day Regatta. Some of the drivers are already practicing for the big weekend. Organizers say racers from around the country will be flying through the water here.

G. W. Resch of Millersville, Maryland, said, "The only way I can explain it is you go from zero to hero real fast around here. It's very quick. This is a family sport, I mean guys around here are like your brothers."

Johnson added, "The water, people from all across the country love the water here. They call it mirror-like. It's very calm and you can go very fast on it."

This year's event will conclude with the band Hybrid Ice performing on a floating stage Monday night.

The Jaycees estimate the Labor Day Regatta will pump nearly one million dollars into the local economy.