Editor’s Note: Although the following article comes from a usually reliable source, we cannot guarantee that it is 100 per cent accurate.
SUBMITTED
It was a harrowing week for REGATTA GUY – official mascot for the Clearwater Canoe Regatta. After a fabulous swim and a visit with friends, he suddenly disappeared the night of Saturday, Aug. 20. It was 3-2-1 and GONE!
“Of course we were extremely distraught,” said Regatta organizer Shelley Sim “we put him to bed on Saturday night and the next day, he’s gone! He’s cute but he’s also a District asset. It was stressful.” After calling all Regatta Guy’s friends to no avail, the Regatta Committee got wind of the CLEARWATER CANOE CAPER broadcasting demands for ransom on Facebook. This dastardly crew was adamant that vast amounts of pre-registrations were required for the 2011 Clearwater Canoe Regatta in order to release the mascot.
Community members at first thought it was a prank but soon torture pictures were soon being displayed all over the Internet. Images of Regatta Guy dangling from a tree, being held up for target practice and even being placed on the railway tracks. The community of Clearwater pulled together. Christy Dobi was quoted on Facebook saying, “Come Clearwater, get your registrations in and save the poor little guy.” It was all that was needed.
By Monday, Aug. 29, the District Office had received record number of pre-registrations. The Clearwater Canoe Caper had been foiled and Clearwater residents were the heroes! Thanks to all for their efforts to get pre-registered. Although running late is considered exercise, early registration saved the day!
