On my calendar for this weekend it says Moraine State Park Regatta. 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Moraine State Park and we were to be celebrating all weekend. In addition to the traditional live music, fireworks, sailing races, food vendors, butterfly release, car cruise, kids’ activities, educational opportunities, kayak and SUP tutorials and free rentals, etc., we were adding multiple signature events this year. Overall we planned to have 13 signature events within the regatta. Last year’s event had 25,000 attendees and we were planning for even more this year.
: Al Marschke, BluMars MediaWhen I woke up with the sunrise this morning, I remembered the sunrise at Lake Arthur. We would have been there getting ready around this time. We would have been going over last minute details, coordinating with volunteers, directing traffic for the morning races, getting the final food vendors set up, etc.
A few months ago, the Board of Directors for the regatta made the very difficult decision to cancel this year’s event. Our sponsors had been hit too hard with the economic realities of the pandemic, and we weren’t sure what August was going to bring as far as vaccines, government regulations, health concerns, etc. This 2019 photo might make you squeamish because no one is wearing a mask and everyone is standing close together. I get that, but to be honest it mostly makes me sad because I really miss live events and large gatherings!
I am so grateful for clients like Moraine State Park Regatta who make me miss my work. I’m looking forward to 2021 when, Lord willing, we’ll be able to celebrate 50+1 years of Moraine State Park! Until then, I’ll enjoy sunrises at home and smaller gatherings with family.