Augusta Riverfest

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2011 Augusta Riverfest Regatta paddling in soon





Rumored to once have been visited by the late Al Capone, the Rufus B II is one of at least five stern-wheel boats traveling to Augusta for the Augusta Riverfest Regatta.

AUGUSTA -- Officials are gearing up for another round of festivities in Augusta.
The 2011 Riverfest Regatta, July 22-24, is just weeks away.
Some festival activities, like the beauty pageants, have entry deadlines as soon as July 8, said Bracken/ Augusta Tourism Director Doug Padgett.
"Participants need to make sure they get signed up by July 8," he said.
A fixture from past regattas, the beer garden located on East Riverside Drive, is being featured this year, Padgett said.
Bands will be playing at the beer garden throughout the weekend, Padgett said.
"Funds from the beer garden are something we can use to keep the festival going and help pay for it," Padgett said.
Inside Out and Harvest Band are schedule to perform at the venue; there will be a cornhole tournament and a wine tasting event for "Kentucky Proud" wines, he said.
Across Augusta, activities and vendors will be set up at or near Appelman Park, multiple vendor venues on Riverside Drive and merchants on Main Street, and east to the Bracken Creek/ boat ramp for the annual Rubber Duck Regatta.
Music and entertainment are also scheduled for the rock stage on Riverside Drive.
The community center will also be the venue for historic displays; baby show; and a recitation by Nick Clooney of "The Battle of Augusta".
Colorful stern-wheels will be arriving in the week leading up to the festival along the banks of the Ohio River.
Several vessels have signed on for space at the Riverside Drive portage and Padgett continues to encourage all types of watercraft to attend the festivities.
Paddling toward for the festivities is Captain Ike Hastings, an agile octogenarian who has entertained visitors at past regattas and continues to captain the "M.V. Pickett Hastings", Captain Mike Monk and "Don Rob't.", the "Rufus B II" with Captain Lou Wendell , the "Dresden Belle" with Captain Carl Deaton, and making new history at the festival will be "Faris Wheel" from Creola, Ohio with Tom and Loretta Faris on board.
The array of colorful sternwheelers will be docked in public view along Riverwalk on Riverside Drive, Padgett said.
At 1 p.m., on July 23 the stern-wheelers will also be participating in a whistle blowing contest, Padgett said.
"Last year it was really enjoyable," Padgett said.
A dunking booth, pedal tractor pull, sculpture displays, Huck Finn or Becky Thatcher look alike contest, 5K Fun Run, car show, community worship service, and performances by the Bracken County Alumni Band, Saint Augustine School choir, Leah Frederick, and Bob and Pete Myers are also schedule for the festival.
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That sounds like so much fun! I would love to hear Nick Clooney recite the "The Battle of Augusta"!

Love to listen to Nick recite anything, that man could sell me anything if he just talked long enough!

Thanks, Merlin, for ALL your Nick updates!!!