Regatta at Lake Arthur features sailing races
MUDDY CREEK TWP — On the weekend of Aug. 6 and 7, an eco-recreational event comes back to Moraine State Park’s South Shore for its 18th year on Lake Arthur.
The 2016 Regatta at Lake Arthur kicks off at 10 a.m. Aug. 6 with no admission or parking charge. Many of the event’s activities also are free.
The regatta brings tens of thousands of people to Moraine each year, organizers said. In 2015, more than 20,000 people attended and experienced the 3,225 acres of Lake Arthur, as well as its 40 miles of shoreline.
“Our mission is to be the premier event in the region,” said Holly Muchnok, event director. “If you enjoy being active in the great outdoors, then this is a weekend you simply don’t want to miss.”
This year is a battle of the bands competition will run from 1 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6, and from noon to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7. On Saturday, the musical entertainment will culminate in a laser show and a Pink Floyd tribute concert at 8:30 p.m.
The regatta schedule that also includes a car cruise from 1 to 4 p.m. both days at the Point Picnic Area; the third annual Pennsylvania SUP Paddleboarding championship at 3 p.m. Saturday; sailing races in the afternoon both days; and a native butterfly release and memorial finale Sunday evening. More than 200 butterflies will be released as the regatta wraps up.
Natalie Simon, an environmental educator with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Moraine State Park, said the Monarch butterflies are a symbols of Pennsylvania’s dedication to environmental conservation.
“Our state parks in Pennsylvania conserve nearly 300,000 acres for the public to enjoy, but humans are not the only ones to benefit,” Simon said. “Here at the park, we have five areas specifically managed to promote native wildflowers, such as milkweed ... which serves as habitat for resident populations and provide way stations for migrating monarchs.”
The regatta also will host Madeline McEachin, the 2015 North Washington Rodeo Queen and a West Sunbury resident, as part of its finale celebration.
