Dock Dogs, more music add to the fun
There's change in the air for the 19th annual Regatta at Lake Arthur.
New events and activities have been added for the two-day event Aug. 5 and 6. on Moraine State Park's South Shore.
In addition to the water sports, fireworks and car cruise, Holly Muchnok, event director, said this year's regatta will add diving dogs, a battle of the bands and catamaran boat rides.
Last year's regatta brought an estimated 18,000 visitors to the land and lake activities.
There is no admission or parking charge and many regatta events are free.
Dustin Drew, park manager, said, “Myself and one or two others are involved in the planning process that goes on all year.”
Muchnok said, “The new big thing is the Dock Dogs, a premiere canine aquatic competition. It is the best dogs jumping into water that you are going to see.”
After a demonstration at last year's regatta, Muchnok said the high-flying dog event is back and open to local four-footed competitors.
“You can sign your dog up. It's open to any breed,” she said.
Muchnok said, “We think this is going to be a big draw. The dogs will be jumping on a 20-foot-by-60-foot tank into four feet of water.”
There are three competitions: speed retrieve, extreme vertical and “big air” which is described as a “long jump for dogs.” Anyone can bring their dog to an event to compete, either by registering through the Dock Dogs website in advance or registering on-site on a first-come first- served basis.
The dog must be at least 6 months old, and the handler must be at least 7 years old to compete or practice.
Competition of another sort will be provided through battle of the bands.“It's part of two days of free concerts. Bands will be playing all day Saturday and Sunday,” Muchnok said. “These are regional local bands on a big music stage.”“This is the second year to do battle of the bands,” she said. “We will have a winner for Saturday and Sunday.”Yet another competition will be supplied by the Three Rivers Rowing Association, which will supply rowing machines called ergometers for land-based rowing competitions.Muchnok said this is in keeping with the regatta's philosophy of getting as many attendees to be participants instead of spectators, whether it be learning to fly cast, sailing, paddle boarding or taking part in children's activities.“There's a multitude of things happening,” Muchnok said. “There's sand volleyball, hiking, bike riding”The programming staff will be giving kayak lessons and ecotours.In 2014, SummersCool was introduced, which included 10 partners offering free instructions. Muchnok said sign-ups are now available for the SummersCool opportunities.
Among the activities:Stand-up paddleboard with SurfSUP Adventures — Standup paddleboarding, also known as SUPing, offers a unique way to enjoy local waterways. Participants may want to consider entering the 4th annual Championship Race open to all skill levels.YOLA (Yoga on Lake Arthur) with Infinity Flow Studio — Learn free community Vinyasa yoga for all-ages while taking in the sights and sounds on the shores of Lake Arthur.Stand-up paddle boarding — L.L. Bean instructs you on how to enjoy this activity on the water.Yoga on standup paddle boards— Join L.L. Bean for a shoreside lesson on the basics of stand-up paddleboarding yoga, followed by a yoga demonstration with poses to get you started.Fly casting lessons with L.L. BeanKayak with Pa. State Parks — Join Moraine State Park's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources staff during this kayak demonstration to learn paddling skills and get some practice.Kayak eco-paddle with Pa. State Parks — Join Moraine State Park's DCNR staff during this kayak eco-paddle to practice paddling skills while learning about the natural history of Lake Arthur.Family fishing — Enjoy free mentored fishing in Lake Arthur for the whole family. Rods, tackle and bait are provided — no license required.Catamaran boat rides with Moraine Sailing Club — Take a ride on a 2-man catamaran with the Moraine Sailing Club to explore the South Shore.Upon arriving at the regatta visit the SummersCool Tent for available classes.
Aside from the water sports, the regatta had a number of land-based activities, including the native butterfly release Aug. 6.Observers will watch as Moraine State Park is filled with the color and motion of one of nature's most beautiful creatures, the Western Pennsylvania Monarch.Locally farmed and gardened in New Castle, hundreds of butterflies will take flight in a mass release.Faith McElravy, 2017 North Washington Rodeo Queen, will help release the butterflies.The regatta will offer an opportunity for guests to release individual butterflies, gently housed individually in special envelopes and distributed at the event in honor of someone, in memory of a loved one, or just for fun.Monarch butterflies are available for individual purchase. Visitors can pick up prepurchased butterflies at the information tent at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6 — half an hour before the release.“My appreciation for the regatta is that it highlights so much of the recreation that we have here,” Drew said.Muchnok said, “With the regatta, we are able to showcase this amazing regional resource.”
