SUNY New Paltz sponsors 60th anniversary of the New Paltz Regatta

RegattaSUNY New Paltz will be one of several sponsors for the New Paltz Regatta 2015, to be held on May 3, a rite of spring in the community that annually attracts student, faculty and staff participants.

The Regatta, now in its 60th year, dates back to May 15, 1955 when the Delta Kappa Fraternity of SUNY New Paltz held a regatta on the Wallkill River. A massive auto-parade helped carry crafts, made of materials ranging from barrels to tractor inner tubes, down Main Street. Nearly a thousand students and townspeople lined both banks of the Wallkill River to watch the excitement. The race began at the “Old Swimming Hole,” which today is now the New Paltz boat launch on Plains Road, and ended at the Rt. 299 bridge.

The event raises funds for Family of New Paltz.

According to KT Tobin, associate director of the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO) at SUNY New Paltz and Regatta organizing committee member, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first Regatta—an enduring, valued community event. Thanks to its sponsorship, the College is making sure our students and the institution continue to be an integral part of this time-honored tradition in our community.”

To learn more about the New Paltz Regatta visit http://www.newpaltzregatta.com/.