Once again, the Cowichan Lake Recreation Centre will be hosting the Youbou Regatta, a fun-filled family day, which is taking place at Arbutus Park on Saturday, Aug. 10.
Following tradition, the Regatta will begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Youbou Fire Hall.
“The Youbou Volunteer Fire Department Society sponsors the pancake breakfast every year,” says Linda Blatchford, manager of the Cowichan Lake Recreation Centre. “We’re happy to welcome them back again to start off the day’s activities.”
The next event in the long list of activities planned for the day is the parade, which starts at the Youbou Hall at 10 a.m. and ends at Arbutus Park., where the Regatta will run until 3:45 p.m.
“The parade is not all about businesses — we welcome businesses and are very happy to have Country Grocer involved with the event, but we also encourage individuals to just decorate their bikes or puppies and come into the parade,” says Blatchford.
In the past, the event has seen 300 or more people attend, and organizers believe the numbers will be similar this year.
“It’s well attended and lots of fun. Everybody is welcome to participate in the event; there’s no charge to enter the parade, swimming races, canoe race, kayak race, or any of the other events offered,” says Blatchford. “We have swimming races for all age categories, and we give out ribbons for each event.”
The quarter-mile swim is usually the most popular event, usually featuring anywhere from 20 to 40 contestants, says Blatchford.
This year, there’s been a call for local contestants to enter the race.
“For the past number of years, local challengers for the Whittington quarter-mile swim have been outshone, not only by an ‘old fart,’ but by a foreigner to boot,” says M.L. Auger. “Where are our younger swimmers who can, and should, reclaim the trophy? Maybe at this August’s Regatta they will come forth and shine?”
Blatchford says the race is not all about competition.
“It’s not an event that is geared towards high-quality swimmers. We are not looking for competitive swimmers, as much as we are looking for people who want to do the event to add to their personal accomplishments.”
There are trophies, which will go to the youngest and oldest person to complete the race. There will also be prizes awarded for the other events taking place during the day.
If you would like more information regarding the Youbou Regatta, contact the Cowichan Recreation Centre at 250-749-6742.