Canada Events and Festivals

8/06/2008 - 8/06/2008Royal St John's Regatta

"Certamen Traditione Regatur" - it sounds impressive, and it is. This historic regatta is the oldest continuing sporting event in North America and draws crowds in excess of 50,000 each year. A major focal point of summer activities in the St John's area, the day is a civic holiday when the shores of the lake are encircled by booths and stalls offering all manner of fun, food and games. The fixed seat rowing shells accommodate six rowers and a cox. The races start and finish at the same spot, with boats "turning the buoys" at the halfway point of the race. A crew can be male or female and range in age from 14 upwards and often includes senior citizens. The race has its origins in the summer meetings between trappers and sailors in the sheltered harbour of St John's, the first recorded organised event dating back to 1816