MUDDY CREEK TWP — More than 9,000 people attended the 16th annual Lake Arthur Regatta over the weekend at Moraine State Park.

This is more than had attended in recent years.

Despite periodic rain, people came out in droves, said Holly Muchnok of East Wing Events in Gibsonia.

“The general mood is excited,” she said Saturday. “It's just kind of magic.”

Saturday's attendance swelled to 6,029, a 67 percent increase from 2013.

Sunday drew another 3,540, making the two-day total of 9,569 a 27 percent increase from last year.

The Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau last year hired Muchnok to organize and revitalize the event after several years of declining attendance.

In addition to the classic features of the regatta such as the sailboat races, the car cruise and the Nautical Nature boat tours, the event had several new activities.

These included the SummersCool tent, where free lessons in camping, kayaking and windsurfing were offered; the Lake Arthur Lily Pad, which featured children's activities; and the 18-mile biking, trail running and canoeing race.

Additionally, there was an expanded array of bands playing on a stage powered entirely by people riding bicycles and solar panels.

Park manager Dustin Drew said the regatta had “a more festive atmosphere” this year.