“Not just another regatta” is the saying allegedly prompting thousands of spectators to flock to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region in the second full weekend of May for the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta! Unique to the pageantry and traditions of this event is the breadth of celebration. There is something to attract every one of every age! Competition is fierce from single rowing boats to powerful eight oared shells moving rapidly down still waters amidst the deafening roar of their loyal school alumni! Recognition is ubiquitous beginning at the awards dock, when at the end of each race heavily breathing, perspiring and overly excited rowers claim their first, second, and third place gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively. So highly prized are these medals, they are frequently found still hanging around their necks weeks after the end of the Regatta! To stage an event of this magnitude, which generally involves approximately 60 schools and over 15000 athletes the all- volunteer organizers must take on any task at hand. When the sixty-foot trailers loaded with shining racing shells begin to arrive along with crews, coaches, and spectators everything must run smoothly. A finely orchestrated cadre of 200 well -seasoned volunteers, ranging in age 10 to 92, from around the country make this event a success and proudly consider this to be the highlight of their year, some wearing the treasured Dad Vail Gold Jacket, emblematic of and awarded only after ten continuous dedicated years of service to the Dad Vail. Silver engraved plates are awarded to commemorate 25 and 50-year returning anniversary crews who steadfastly arrive to celebrate their championships from years earlier. One grandfather even announced to the audience, “that winning a Dad Vail Gold Medal was the most memorable event of his lifetime!” With the only constant being change, Dad Vail regularly pivots to create a rowing event that promotes inclusivity and community involvement. In 2021 the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta included para rowing events and in 2023 an exhibition race for Cancer Survivors. Additionally, to engage the surrounding communities, the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta invites high school students to compete using their artistic skills. The annual Dad Vail Art Poster contest challenges these students to create the best depiction of the Regatta. The winners of the competition receive scholarship checks and their artwork becomes the official poster of the regatta For the spectators, there is no better experience than at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. On the banks of the river you will find an alumni village which reverberates with camaraderie and enthusiasm, a beer garden for quenching ones thirst while watching athletes “heave ho” down the racecourse and a Regatta festival area with rowing apparel vendors, food trucks and more! JEFFERSON DAD VAIL REGATTA Provides Unique Experience You are cordially invited to attend The President’s Press Conference in recognition of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Friday, May 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to be convened in the Camden County Boathouse Located at 7050 N. Park Drive, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109 The winners of the 22nd Annual Art Poster Contest will also be honored! #001 presented by
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