With a week to go, plans are coming into focus 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.

There is no admission or parking charge and many regatta events are free, according to Holly Muchnok, the event's director.

She said the regatta brings thousands of visitors each year to experience and enjoy the 3,225 acres of Lake Arthur with its more than 40 miles of scenic shoreline.

Muchnok said, “Our mission is to be the premiere, all-ages, eco-recreational event in the region. While we are nestled in the heart of Butler County, we welcome visitors from across the region and beyond.

“If you enjoy being active in the great outdoors, then this is a weekend you simply don't want to miss,” she said.

Muchnok said, “We are excited to continue to promote a healthy lifestyle, feature wholesome food options and continue to increase opportunities for you to get out and active at Moraine.”

In addition to the usual water sports, fireworks and car cruise, Muchnok said this year's regatta will add diving dogs, a battle of the bands and catamaran boat rides.

Last year's regatta brought nearly 18,000 visitors to the land and lake activities.

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.”

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 still available for the Summers-Cool opportunities that include family fishing, fly casting lessons and paddle board instruction.

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.

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.

Muchnok said anyone interested in getting involved with this year's regatta, whether through leadership, volunteering, sponsorship, or offering great ideas, should contact the regatta office at 724-687-0707.Volunteers are needed to help with car cruise parking, event maintenance and trash pickup, manning the hospitality tent, aiding with SummersCool registration and maintenance of the children's area.