Serving as America’s capital until Washington D.C. was established in 1790, Philadelphia’s rich cultural and historical offerings make it must visit Pennsylvania destination. The City of Brotherly Love is a history enthusiast’s dream featuring cobblestone streets, colonial brick homes, and more historical landmarks than one trip can handle. A few can’t miss historical attractions include Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and the Liberty Bell. The city is also home to a thriving creative community, which is on display at a variety of venues. From catching the newest art exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to seeing a Broadway show at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the city will dazzle you with its artistic expression.
The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta has been one of the leading rowing events in North America for 80 years, and it will take place May 11-12 at Fairmont Park. The event is the largest collegiate regatta in America featuring more than 100 colleges and universities from America and Canada. Attendees will have the opportunity to sit on the banks of the Schuylkill River and watch the teams race on a 2,000-meter, six-lane Olympic length course. The Jack Kelly Statue and Grandstand is the finishing line, and it’s one of the best locations to watch the event unfold. If all the racing excitement works up an appetite, the food court will feature a variety of food trucks and vendors selling everything from cheesesteaks to festival fare. Patrons over 21 can stop by the Beer Garden, which will have a range of delicious craft beers available. The Rowers Village and Launch Area is the area where competitors weigh-in, relax between races and eat. Here people will also encounter vendors lining the streets, selling anything and everything a rower could need. The event supports Philadelphia City Rowing which is an organization that teaches rowing to inner city kids. ResortsandLodges.com interviewed Publicity Director, Ed Levin, to learn more about this exciting competition.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
EL: This is our 80th year!
RAL: How many annual attendees do you draw?
EL: We draw 2,500 to 3,000 competitors overall, and 15,000-20,000 fans each day.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
EL: We primarily attract families and the rowing community.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
EL: We are the largest collegiate regatta in North America
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
EL: Aside from all the exciting races, we have a festival area featuring food trucks and vendors.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
EL: There will be food trucks and general concessions. A Beer Garden featuring craft beer will be open for those attendees over 21.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?
EL: Lively, especially near the finish line with fans cheering on the crews.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
EL: We have a travel partner (EMC Ventures) - can be found on our website.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
EL: This is an annual rite of passage, as the opening event for Fairmount Park and the City. All residents and visitors are invited to walk onto the venue, see the athletes, crews, and their racing shells up close, and admission for the general public is free!
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
EL: Yes, the event drives business to local hotels, restaurants, historic attractions.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
EL: We support Philadelphia City Rowing - which gives inner-city kids the chance to learn and excel in the sport of rowing.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
EL: Since we are the largest collegiate regatta in North America it's memorable to see rowers achieve their dream of winning a Dad Vail Gold Medal. We also attract large groups of alumni/alumnae who return to support their programs along with the other athletes.
For more information about the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, Please visit the event website.