Rieger Regatta to take on the Susquehanna on Saturday

Nine years ago, Jeff Rieg founded the Rieger Regatta, an event that welcomes homemade crafts to Owego for a day on the river. His motto, “What happens on the river, stays on the river,” has remained true ever since.

According to Rieg, the idea for the Regatta came to him because of his love for the river. He recalled participating in the Owego to Nichols raft race in 1983, and missed it so much in later years that he founded the Rieger Regatta.

The tradition continues now, with this year’s event planned for Saturday, Aug. 3. The raft race begins at the boat launch located at Hickories Park in Owego, and then follows the river down to the launch located in Nichols, N.Y. The push off from the launch is at 9 a.m.

And this year’s theme is in Rieger fashion, and will feature his two-tier homemade raft painted for the 90s. 

“Each year my sister, Lacee Jackson, and I think of a theme and then make it come to life,” said Rieg.

And all handmade crafts are welcome at the Regatta. For Rieg, he builds his with wood, and blue 55-gallon drums and a lot of paint! 

“Anything that floats is acceptable,” Rieg exclaimed.

As for the trek, Rieg estimated the entire journey to be roughly 13 miles. Rieg also described the current water level in the river as perfect. He stated they had 200 people last year; and that those numbers were down because of high water levels.

The event is open to all; however, those younger than 21 must be accompanied by a parent.

For any questions, call Captain Jeff Rieg at (607) 765-8729.