Thousands flock 18th Lake Mainstay Regatta celebrations
DPI, Guyana, Monday, August 13, 2018
Over the weekend, thousands of visitors travelled to Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam to celebrate the 18th Lake Mainstay Regatta.
Attending the festival for the first time, Reona Cathro told the Department of Public Information (DPI) the long-awaited event was just as she expected it to be.
“It was great, I will definitely be coming back next year. The next time I come I plan to get into the water.”
Patron, Clyde Clarke, who is also a first-timer at the event, said he travelled from Region Three: “To me, this is the best event for the year. The beach is beautiful. It is so wonderful, I look forward to next year being bigger and better.”
Patron, Rakesh Shadeo
Patron, Clyde Clarke
Patrons enjoying the boat racing competitions
Patron, Adam Brasher
Patron, Sean Grant
Patron, Reona CathroThe occasion also garnered a number of international patrons. Visiting from the United States with friends, Adam Brasher said, “this is quite the atmosphere, it is an experience for sure. I have never seen boat racing before, so seeing that is what I was looking forward to the most.”
Learning of the event from YouTube videos, Trinidadian Patron, Rakesh Shadeo explained that he flew to Guyana with his family just to enjoy the experience. “It was really entertaining and you get to meet a lot of people. It is definitely fun.”
Stumbling upon the regatta by chance, Chicago resident Sean Grant said, “I am glad I am in Guyana for this event. I am only here for a few weeks. Regatta is really exciting.”
The event saw over 13 boat racing competitions and five swimming races. A total of $3M was won by the competitors at the event. The regatta’s curtains came down with live performances by a number of local artistes.
Crystal Stoll
Image: Jameel Mohamed and Karime Peters