Windy weather docks boat festival

Each year, the Oklahoma Riverfest at Regatta Park grows in size, and as the festivities continued this year, the weather took center stage.

Saturday, June 7th 2008, 11:51 pm

By: News 9


By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

Each year, the Oklahoma Riverfest at Regatta Park grows in size, and as the festivities continued this year, the weather took center stage.

"That's just part of outdoor events," rower Mike McAuliffe said. "You just take it an hour at a time or a day at a time."

When it comes to the safety of participants, decisions have to be made quickly. Rowers were able to take in the early morning competitions.

"We got a practice run in and actually had one of our final races in so that hard work paid off," rower Todd Little said.

When the afternoon winds picked up, organizers had to cancel the popular dragon boat racing much to the disappointment of competitors.

"It's pretty choppy, but I think it's important that we're safe more than getting to participate," rower Alesha Leemast said.

Rowing in windy conditions can be dangerous for the inexperienced as well as professional rowers.

"Thiers's definitely a chance we could tip the boat and fall out, but we're all wearing life jackets and all that so we should be good to go," professional rower Jeremy Kuhlam said.

While some of the water events were cancelled, the public took part in plenty of land activities.


logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

June 7th, 2008

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024