It’s Rotary Dockfest time again and this year it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The core of the festival is the Bathtub Derby with its zany antics: motorized bathtubs navigated their way through a challenging course of obstacles trying to maintain balance and speed. Thirty-five tubs will race for the hardware this year, promising some great competition. Add to this the return of the media race to determine which one of the local media really rules the day.
Healthy competition aside, Dockfest is really about community engagement and raising some money for good causes. Event hosts, the Rotary Club of Huntsville, have indicated that significant donations will be made to Hospice Huntsville and Fairvern Nursing Home as a result of this year’s races.
While the Derby will be the main draw, Dockfest will have so much more to offer. The fun gets underway early at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast. From 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. members of the Huntsville Festival and staff from Camp Tawingo will combine to present Art Splash, an arts and crafts extravaganza for children of all ages. Paint a picture, make a craft or have your face painted by the talented Painted Kids team, a regular at Dockfest days.
Make sure to hit Main Street at 11 a.m. to see the Dockfest Parade. There are prizes for craziest float and it’s a great way to choose your favourite team before the races begin.
At noon the first heat sets off. In all there will be two full rounds of racing and an eventual winner will be crowned. Races are normally over by 3 p.m. and everyone is invited back into River Mill Park to enjoy the great sounds of The Jo Nathan Band, courtesy of the Huntsville Festival.
All events are in the downtown River Mill Park or the adjacent waterfront. Other than purchasing food, or a drink at the Moose Delaneys outdoor bar, there is no cost to attend. This is due in large part to support from the event sponsor Pipefusion Services Inc. and NyDock. In addition to cash support, they provide numerous dock- and water-related devices to allow the Derby course to be created.
The Rotary Club of Huntsville has been serving the community of Huntsville and area since 1934 and is part of the international organization of Rotary International who provide humanitarian service across the globe.
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Can’t wait to see that Dynamic Drum and Pipe Band , The Cameron of Lochiel , who do an outstanding job leading the parade and then entertaining in The Park !