America250 symphony concert added to Moraine State Park Regatta
As summer comes to a close, Moraine State Park will host its 27th annual Regatta over two days, with an America250 concert as a new event.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Moraine State Park’s South Shore, 225 Pleasant Valley Road.
Two of the weekend’s featured events are the America250 concert by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra and an open water swim race.
“One of the new events is going to be a concert by the Butler County Symphony, which is going to be the finale of the event on Sunday evening from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and we are really excited for that because it will be an America250-themed concert,” event director Amanda Becker said.
Moraine State Park Regatta's volunteer board of directors meets yearround, she said. While planning the 2026 event, members began discussing unique ideas they could bring to the festival. Those conversations led to the idea of incorporating America250 as a theme.
“One of the ideas that came up was doing something with the America250 theme, and one of the board members suggested reaching out to the symphony because one of the things they are trying to do is make their music more accessible to people,” Becker said. “So we reached out to the symphony, and they were super excited about the idea.”
The three-part concert will begin with recognizable and traditional symphony pieces, followed by contemporary arrangements of popular songs, before concluding with patriotic selections. The performance will feature a string ensemble, a quartet and a brass group.
One of the highlights of the concert is its setting. The stage is located in the middle of a grassy field, with Lake Arthur to the right and views of the many recreational activities taking place throughout the park.
“On top of the symphony, we also have a ton of great local talent that is going to be on the stage over the weekend, with country music, blues and everything in between,” Becker said. “Some people also come to the event just for the music, the vendors and the food.”
Another new event is the Regatta Open Water Swim, which begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, with registration opening at 8 a.m. In addition to the swim, the Regatta will also feature a 5K race and a paddlesport race.
Saturday and Sunday will feature a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the morning, afternoon and evening. Morning activities on both days include a wildlife touch table, kids fishing, kayaking, disc golf, sailing and more.
Afternoon activities include a 4-mile hike, a car cruise, archery, a mini kids camp obstacle course, and Live at Lake Arthur concerts, featuring the Noble Hops Band and Highway Moon.
Saturday evening’s schedule includes the paddlesport race, the Mantastorm Fireflies Electric Surfboard Demonstration and fireworks.
Sunday evening will feature the mini kids camp obstacle course and another Mantastorm Fireflies Electric Surfboard Demonstration.
“I was chatting with some folks the other day, and we were talking about all the different things going on throughout the county, especially during the weekend of the regatta, because it will be a great opportunity for people to do multiple things,” Becker said. “The thing I always say if people are on the fence about going, is that the event itself is totally free, so if you decide to come for only an hour, it’s not like you lost out on a bunch of money.”
For more information on the Regatta, including its schedule of activities and entertainment, visit morainestateparkregatta.org.
