Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 8, 2019)
8 // COASTWEEKEND.COM REGATTA AT 125 Window display documents festival history, memorabilia By LUCY KLEINER FOR COAST WEEKEND F or 125 years, princesses, anchors and admirals have paraded through the streets of downtown Astoria through pouring rain, thick mist and searing heat in the Astoria Regatta Grand Land Parade. “The parade is the cornerstone of the festival,” said Charlene Larsen, who has been involved with Regatta for 49 years. Regatta kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 7, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 10, with historic traditions and celebrations includ- ing the Queen’s Coronation on Wednes- day, Astoria-Warrenton Kiwanis Junior Parade on Thursday, Seaman’s Memorial and Admiral’s Reception on Friday with the Fun Run, Highwater Boat Parade and Columbia River Symphony pop’s concert concluding the festival on Saturday. Community support Initially established in 1894 as a way to celebrate the conclusion of a lucrative fishing season, the Regatta Festival has long brought citizens of Clatsop County together for more than a century. It has also attracted a national and inter- national audience throughout its history, including high-speed cigar boats from Florida and the Canadian and US Navy. The festival continues to thrive because of the year-round dedication from local volunteers. Nancy Kennell, a second generation Regatta Association member and current board member, has been involved with the festival since 2000. She, along with a small team of Regatta members, dedicated countless hours to the festival chaperoning events, listening to Regatta court speeches and organizing fundraisers. This year, the team planned a bingo night that filled a local venue and raised nearly $3,000 for the festival. Kennell got the idea from her mother, Betty Cunning- ham, who chaired Regatta Bingo when she was on the board years ago. Cunningham and her best friend made the trip back to Astoria for the event. “It becomes part of who you are,” said Kennell. “My mom’s 87 and she’s still helping.” “It’s about who we are,” Kennell con- tinued. “It’s a way of celebrating and shar- ing memories. It’s something to be proud of.” Documenting festival’s history The anniversary has refocused Regatta members on documenting and archiving the festival’s history. Irene Baltimore, one of this year’s Grand Marshals, spent weeks digitizing a comprehensive list of Regatta queens and dignitaries. Regatta Board member Kevin Leahy donated archival photos and historic Anchor Club memorabilia of his mother’s to the festival. See Regatta, Page C9 IF YOU GO ASTORIA REGATTA 2019 Wednesday, Aug. 7 through Saturday, Aug. 10 For a full schedule of events and more information, visit astoriaregatta.com Astoria Regatta ABOVE: A window decorated with historic Regatta memorabilia in the former Thiel’s Music space at the corner of 14th and Commercial Streets in Astoria. BELOW: The 2019 Astoria Regatta court. From left: Princess Serena Moha, princess Mara Dowaliby, Queen Catherine Tapales, princess Kayla Helligso and princess Caitlin Hillman.
