No admission was charged and it was estimated that close to 4,000 people attended the first regatta. The afternoon activities commenced at 1 p.m. with “loose the goose.” The lucky person who caught the goose got to take it home. A variety of activities were held for all ages with races for those up to three years of age, as well as those four to seven years of age. Everyone who participated received free ice cream.
Boys’ and girls’ relay swimming for teams of four, ages 16 and under, as well as wash tub races with no age restrictions were well-attended events. Paddles and washtubs were provided by the Elks.
Water games also included water polo with six players per team selected from Alex Robertson’s sports groups. The castles-in-the-sand building competition proved to be another popular activity to participate in.
Throughout the afternoon and evening other activities included boat races in four different classes according to motor horse power. One mishap occurred in the evening at the main boat race when the winner, Don Henderson, overturned his boat just as he crossed the finish line. The crowd at the shore immediately took up a collection, netting $31.20 to help pay for the expense of having his boat repaired. Luckily, Henderson’s glasses and tool kit were recovered from the water.
The bathing beauty contest commenced at three o’clock. Judging criteria included personality, poise, general appearance and bathing costume. Forty contestants sponsored by local businesses were making their bid in front of a panel of five judges for the title of Regatta Queen. Dr. A. D. McKee acted as the master of ceremonies.
“Following the judging of the contestants, the queen and her two princesses first appeared in their royal capacity in a flag arrayed motor launch, which brought them to the beach where Mayor W. L. Bullmore performed the crowning ceremony.”
John Slobodzian, exalted ruler of the Dauphin lodge of the B.P.O.E., made the presentation of the awards to the queen of the regatta, Orphee Ash of Makinak, and to princesses Betty Cherneski and Alice Balchen both of Dauphin. Prizes included ward robe bags, train cases, bracelets and earings.
Improvements and additions were made for future regattas. In 1952 the competition for the Northern Manitoba horse-shoe competition was added to the events and began at 1 p.m. Locals H. Snart and W. Crawford captured the doubles crown. A highlight for the youngsters included a merry-go-round and a midget train complete with tracks and an engineer. More refreshment booths were added to lessen the wait for drinks and ice-cream.
In 1953 a parade of more than 50 beauty queens of tomorrow were entered in the junior event. “Every one of the tots received a royal reception from the crowd and for their stage appearance were each rewarded with a box of popcorn.” (August 6, 1953, Dauphin Herald and Press).
Children’s rides and shows were supplied by Mid-West Shows. Bingo booths, as well as games were also manned by the Elk’s members. A demonstration of water skiing in the choppy waters by Jim Henderson and Vern Anger thrilled the audience. Operation pillow-fight, staged on slippery heights of greased poles mounted on tripods in the water also generated a great deal of entertainment for the spectators.
An impressive display of fireworks always ended each regatta. On August 4, 1975, the fireworks concluded the 24th and final regatta.
“Following the judging of the contestants, the queen and her two princesses first appeared in their royal capacity in a flag arrayed motor launch, which brought them to the beach where Mayor W. L. Bullmore performed the crowning ceremony.”
John Slobodzian, exalted ruler of the Dauphin lodge of the B.P.O.E., made the presentation of the awards to the queen of the regatta, Orphee Ash of Makinak, and to princesses Betty Cherneski and Alice Balchen both of Dauphin. Prizes included ward robe bags, train cases, bracelets and earings.
Improvements and additions were made for future regattas. In 1952 the competition for the Northern Manitoba horse-shoe competition was added to the events and began at 1 p.m. Locals H. Snart and W. Crawford captured the doubles crown. A highlight for the youngsters included a merry-go-round and a midget train complete with tracks and an engineer. More refreshment booths were added to lessen the wait for drinks and ice-cream.
In 1953 a parade of more than 50 beauty queens of tomorrow were entered in the junior event. “Every one of the tots received a royal reception from the crowd and for their stage appearance were each rewarded with a box of popcorn.” (August 6, 1953, Dauphin Herald and Press).
Children’s rides and shows were supplied by Mid-West Shows. Bingo booths, as well as games were also manned by the Elk’s members. A demonstration of water skiing in the choppy waters by Jim Henderson and Vern Anger thrilled the audience. Operation pillow-fight, staged on slippery heights of greased poles mounted on tripods in the water also generated a great deal of entertainment for the spectators.
An impressive display of fireworks always ended each regatta. On August 4, 1975, the fireworks concluded the 24th and final regatta.
