Regatta making a comeback in Broome County

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Organizers are reviving a “whatever-floats” regatta in Broome County.

For years, the “Yegatta Regatta” saw people in canoes, kayaks, rafts, inner tubes, and homemade contraptions float from Otsiningo Park to downtown Binghamton, says Judi Hess, director of the Greater Binghamton Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. That tradition faded away, “years ago,” she says.

But on July 28, along a different stretch of the Chenango River, water-lovers will be able to take part in the first Beer Tree River Float, going with the flow from Chenango Valley State Park to Beer Tree Brew Co., in Port Crane. Finishers will be met with live music, food trucks, and lawn games, organizers said.

 “I cannot be more excited to help make this event happen. The return of the regatta! This will be among the highlights of the summer events in Broome County! Bring your canoes and your families and let’s make this event a staple once again in our county,” Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said in a release.

Hess explains that participants can drop off their canoes, kayaks, rafts, or whatever, at the state park then drive to Beer Tree Brew Co. and park. Buses will shuttle participants back to the state park where the regatta will launch in stages between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The after-party will be family-friendly, organizers said, and will run from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Ava’s Little Heroes, an organization that helps families with children undergoing medical treatment.

“We are extremely excited to introduce the first inaugural Beer Tree River Float. Our brand has a close connection to the great outdoors and this river float is an opportunity to share our passion as well as raise money for a great cause,” said Chris Rhoades, co-owner of Beer Tree Brew Co.

Organizers have not yet determined what the cost will be for registration.

Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com

Photo credit: Beer Tree Brew Co. Facebook page