Full steam ahead for 2011 ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd Regatta

The 2011 ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd is ready to set sail for their 50th Regatta to be held Saturday, August 20.

The 2011 ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd is ready to set sail for their 50th Regatta to be held Saturday, August 20. 2011 Commodore Eleanor Dennis said: “It’s full steam ahead with preparation for the 50th annual Dry River Bed Regatta. Rotary volunteers are in full swing to ensure the fun day is the best on record.” Entries for the wide variety of events are steadily flowing in with many nominating for the BYO Boat. “We would especially like to see all those who are making their own boats join in the parade and get involved. The BYO boats can be made out of any type of material, must resemble a boat, and have a crew of 4.”

The festivities start on Friday, August 19 with the Postie Bike Challenge arriving at the Chifly Alice Spring Resort at approximately 1:00 pm, concluding Friday’s activities with othe Auction Night at the Crowne Plaza commencing at 6:00 pm with the Rotary District Governor, Tracey Bevan from the McGrath Foundation, and local RFDS identities, all of whom are benefiting from the auction.

Saturday starts at 6:30 am with The Weekend Today Weather Show presenter Emma Freedman, outfitting in traditional Henley-on-Todd Viking, Pirate, and Navy regalia, who will launch the sailing on Saturday, August 20. Live crosses begin from 6:30 am in the river bed, quarters of Henley-on-Todd. Participation is encouraged for Alice Springs locals and travelers alike. A breakfast BBQ and coffee are on the menu to start the day.

The first boats afloat, with the traditional Henley-on-Todd parade down Todd Mall, sails off at 10:30 am. The opening ceremony will be held at 11:40 am at the Henley-on-Todd site, with the first races in the river kicking off immediately after.

There are plenty of prizes on offer with the return of the $500 cash prize lucky draw for all those who compete on the day. Other prizes include vouchers from businesses in Alice Springs.

There are plenty of activities for the kids with many events on the river just for them, as well as the famous water tank and the jumping castle. Food, refreshment, and merchandise stalls will be in abundance, and the day will be boosted in numbers with the visiting NT Navy from Darwin in attendance.

The day will conclude with “Best Dressed on the Day” and then the ever-famous Battle Boat Spectacular between the ever popular Vikings, the Pirates, and Naval crew. Money raised from the event is the annual major fundraiser for the three local Rotary Clubs of Alice Springs.

To close the jollity of the 50th Henley-on-Todd, the evening will sail into the sunset with the Commodores Dinner, poolside at the Crowne Plaza. Legendary local musician and member of the ironically Australian rock band, Cold Chisel, Ian Moss, will be performing amidst a display of frivolity and fireworks.

www.henleyontodd.com.au

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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