PLATTSBURGH — By land and sea, members of the community gathered for the Mayor’s Cup Regatta and Festival Saturday with regatta racing, food, music, games, a sand castle competition and more.
Now in its 47th year, the Mayor’s Cup Regatta includes competitive races in three divisions – Jib and Main, Racing and Multihull with prizes for all divisions.
REGATTA, RUN/WALK
The sailing courses are set the morning of the race in Cumberland Bay on Lake Champlain.
Races began at 10:30 and ended at various times throughout the afternoon on Saturday.
The event kicked off with the Mayor’s Cup 5k Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. followed by a kids fun run at 11 a.m.
According to Sue LeBlanc-Durocher, President of the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh Sunrise, the 5k had a “great,” turnout of over 50 participants.
“This is so great, this is the 47th year,” She said.
“We are so blessed.”
SAVORING THE BEACH
The original Mayor’s Cup was solely a regatta, but the club wanted to create something for those who do not boat.
“Many people don’t boat, we wanted a landlubber event,” LeBlanc-Durocher said.
“It used to be held Downtown in Trinity Park, but we needed more space and this beach is beautiful. It just made sense to move it here to take advantage of the freshwater beach, the view of the lake.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Champlain Valley hosted a sand castle and sand sculpture competition, open to all beach visitors of all ages.
“This is our second year hosting the competition, before that we did kites,” Amanda Bulris-Allen, NAMI Director, said.
NAMI provided buckets to anyone interested in competing, while supplies lasted.
THE POWER OF PLAY
According to Bulris-Allen, the purpose of the sand sculpture competition is to remind everyone about the connection between play in relation to mental health.
“We have signs up that indicate healing and mental health awareness, it is ok to not be ok,” she said.
“I just hope someone sees something they may need to help them.”
According to Bulris-Allen, in order for a sand castle or sand sculpture to “come together,” and become stronger, one needs to add water, a similar analogy can be applied to those suffering with their mental health.
“People need water, they need community. A connection to each other to be stronger.”
SAND SCULPTURE WINNERS
The competition was judged in three categories; neatness, creativity and detail, in three classes including family, under 12-years-old and over 12-years old.
The winner of the family sand sculpture was a family who registered as “Camp Champy,” winning with a sculpture of the infamous Lake Champlain’s Champy.
Marcus Levine and Ethan Coul won in the under 12-years-old division with a pirate themed sculpture.
Jacqueline Harding won in the over 12-years-old division with a sculpture of a campfire.
‘JUST HERE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME’
North Country Center for Independence’s Snap and Smile Pavilion featured a beach-themed photo booth with summer-related props such as a kayak and sailing gear.
A fossil-making and identification station was set up by NCCI featuring real molds taken from water fowls, other birds, racoons, beavers and other mammals.
“We are just here to have a good time with people,” Colleen Downs, NCCI Systems Advocate, said.
“It’s great that it brings the community together. You can hang out, have a good time, learn about some organizations while having fun in the sun.”
Downs appreciates the welcoming atmosphere of the event,
“It really feels like its for everyone, young, old, disabled, everyone can come there is something for them.”
MARINA FESTIVITIES
The celebration moved over to Plattsburgh City Marina, featuring live music from Damaged Goods, wine, beer, and the first ever Parrots & Pirates Poker Run/Walk as well as the “Spirit of Ianelli’ and Regatta Awards Ceremony.
The run/walk course began and ended at the Plattsburgh marina area and featured stops strategically placed at various establishments in Plattsburgh’s historic downtown.
Everyone who registered was given a random poker hand, the winning hand was determined at the last stop.
The first annual Paddle Power Palooza featured a one-mile parade of non-motorized paddle boats.
Participants were encouraged to decorate their boats and themselves to distinguish themselves on the water.
Mike Collin was named this year’s recipient of the ‘Spirit of Ianelli’ Award for his dedication and volunteer service to the Beartown Ski Area.
“I just want to thank all of our sponsors who helped out and everyone here today, and the community,” LeBlanc-Durocher said.
The Mayor’s Cup Regatta & Festival is organized by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Plattsburgh.