Dorothy and her husband, from Nichols, N.Y., arrive to watch the Rieger Regatta on Aug. 1, which is held every year on the Susquehanna River. She is wearing one of the many tie-dye shirts available for raft participants and spectators. (Photos by Paige Pelletier)
A couple of children watch the Rieger Regatta on Aug.1 from the bank along the Susquehanna River in Owego, N.Y. Pictured, they have a couple fishing rods so maybe they’ll catch dinner and get a show.
A group of rafters have fun in the sun on Aug. 1 during the Rieger Regatta, held each year on the Susquehanna River and launching from Hickories Park in Owego. The back of this participant’s shirt says, “What happens at the Regatta, stays on the river!”
A huge cluster of rafters set out from the bank at Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y. for the annual Rieger Regatta on Aug. 1. You can see how creative participants were with their craft.
A raft, resembling a pool, prepares to set out on the Susquehanna for the annual Rieger Regatta held Saturday, Aug. 1. Out on the river getting ready to set sail, it is full of snacks, drinks, and water balloons!
Tie-dye and pirates invade the Susquehanna River for the annual River Regatta held Saturday, Aug. 1. This group attaches canoes to the side for some added fun.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! A raft that was a little beat up in transit was participating this year’s Rieger Regatta held Saturday, Aug. 1. Luckily, everyone is there to help at the Regatta.
The Drippy Hippy! Floating along nicely during the Rieger Regatta held Saturday, Aug. 1 on the Susquehanna River.
The Puddin’ III has a story to tell. This craft participated in the Rieger Regatta held Saturday, Aug. 1.
A few participants shade themselves from the sun during annual River Regatta held Saturday, Aug. 1.
A group of rafts are docked before the big shove off during the Rieger Regatta held Aug. 1 on the Susquehanna River. The party was already getting started at 8:30 a.m.
These people know how to party in style, and stay safe from the sun as they participate in the annual River Regatta held Saturday, Aug. 1.
It was a perfect day on Aug. 1 for the Rieger Regatta, which launched form Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y. and then descended down the river, as a spectacle, to the boat launch in Nichols, N.Y. There was enough sun for people to tan, enough clouds to keep them from burning, a light breeze for the shoreline spectators, captains, and to keep the crews cool while the slow current kept the many colorful rafts floating on by.
All along the Susquehanna there are ideal spots to set up a picnic basket or a bucket full of water balloons to watch, cheer to, and play with these casual sailors, or as one spectator called it, the yacht parade. It was apparent everyone was having a good time that was out on a raft on Saturday.
The rafts are all interesting and fun in their own ways; some are mere inflatable pool toys shot into the water, others are intricate wooden structures with two floors, water slides, and enough flags to provide for an army – or possibly a group of pirates.
Most of the rafts, even the smallest, were stocked up with cool refreshments, music, and even food. Participants jumped into the water, crawled back onto their craft, and called out to one another with laughter.
The sound of fireworks, good music and friends, loudly alerts everyone to their arrival. If you ever get a chance, join in this unique and enjoyable river experience.
The Rieger Regatta was revived a few years back, and according to organizer Jeffrey Rieg, it took off slowly, and has grown every year with hundreds of participants arriving annually with their crafts. In fact, some travel from as far north as Alaska and as far south as Florida for this event.
The Rieger Regatta can be found on Facebook under “The 5th Annual Rieger Regatta.” You can also contact Jeffrey Rieg by calling (607) 765-8729.
