Lake Windermere Regatta

Worth a special trip to Kinsman Beach on July 23

Columbia Valley Summerlude is just around the corner, bringing Pynestock, Valley Appreciate Day, Bull Riding in the Rockies and...

The Lake Windermere Regatta!

This is the Regatta’s second year since being brought back in 2010 after a 40-year break.

“The Regatta is all about Lake Smarts, Lake Fun and Lake Friends,” said Kirsten Harma, a Regatta organizer with Wildsight and the Lake Windermere Ambassadors—the hosts of the Regatta.

“Lake Smarts means there will be lots to do, see and learn about Lake Windermere and lake ecology,” Harma said. “Lake Fun means races, contests and games on the lake and on the beach. And Lake Friends means this regatta will be THE place to meet and greet people who’re helping keep the lake healthy.”

Races include sailing, swimming and canoeing. Demonstrations include waterskiing and rowing. You can also enter the Sand Art, Beach Volleyball and Love Your Lake Photo contests.

“Most things you can participate in on the spot,” Harma said. “But you need to pre-register for the sailing race and enter by July 18^th for the Love Your Lake Photo contest.”

To register a boat or enter a photo, contact Harma at info@lakeambassadors.cahttp://www.wildsight.ca/sites/all/modules/extlink/mailto.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; padding-right: 12px; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"> or 250-341-6898.

The photo contest theme this year is My Favourite Place on the Lake. “At the Regatta we’re going to display the photos and ask people if they can recognize the special places. We’ll announce the winners and present their prizes at the Regatta.”

Race winners will also be presented with medals to mark their achievements.

“The medals are very cool,” Harma said. “And so are all the other prizes—we have a range of wonderful prizes big and small. Last year people loved the prizes!”

There will be a giant tent filled with Lake Smart activities: a working watershed model and trivia contests about the lake.  It all starts at 2 pm at Invermere’s Kinsman Beach.

But arrive a little early if you want to enter a race or event without waiting in line.

“The Lake Windermere Ambassadors have had a big year and are looking forward to hosting another amazing Regatta,” Harma said. “It’s definitely going to be worth a special trip to Invermere.”