Dive into the Regatta
The Moraine State Park Regatta returns for another year with many of the classic activities and events that make it a beloved weekend in the county.
“I think you could spend the whole weekend at the park and not get bored at this event,” said regatta events coordinator, Amanda Becker of Appleseed Events. “There's so many things to see and do and be a part of.”
The festival is in its 21st year and is still growing after last year's big 20th anniversary celebration.
Becker, who is in her first year coordinating the event, said it will continue to be free weekend fun for the families.
“It can be expensive for a family to go out and do things like this, if they had to pay for it,” Becker said.
Becker said people can look forward to a lot of activities on and off the water.
She said kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing are some of the more popular activities on the water, while games and vendors are available on the land.
Becker said they also have a lot of live music lined up to coincide with popular events such as the DockDogs contest.“People love their pets, and they love to watch their dogs do all the things they do,” she said. “We're excited to have them back this year.”Becker said the butterfly release is also a beautiful sight to see. This year it will be bigger than ever, with over 200 butterflies being released.She said this year the event is receiving additional attention by offering memorial butterflies for release, which were available by presale. They will also be sold on the day of the event.“They are purchasing these butterflies in honor of someone they lost,” Becker said.With a tent dedicated to the history of Moraine, Becker said there will be plenty of opportunity for education and exploration.“One of the greatest parts about the event is the fact that it highlights Moraine State Park and the gem it is in our own backyard,” Becker said. “Most people don't necessarily know all the history behind the park and all the other things that they can do.”Mike Hall, regatta leadership board president and owner of General Rental Center, said last year 20,000 people visited the park during the regatta weekend.“There hasn't been a whole lot of changes,” Hall said. “We're offering the same stuff.”Hall said this year's event will be exciting, but it is also a chance for Becker and others involved with the regatta to prepare for an even bigger event next year, in honor of the 50-year anniversary of Moraine State Park's creation.“We're building this one up to really get ready for some new stuff next year,” Hall said.
