MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

September 21, 2008

VIDEO: Cardboard boats compete in river event

By Bess Warren

The Titanic found itself succumbing to another fatal voyage during the River Rumba Regatta at Three Forks Harbor Saturday afternoon.

This Titanic, made almost entirely of cardboard, was one of 24 boats entered in the regatta sponsored by the Muskogee Exchange Club and Muskogee Parks and Recreation. The crew, employees of the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, vigorously paddled to the shore while the boat steadily took on water. The crowd cheered as they made their way through the finish line.

This was the first year for the fundraising event, which will benefit the Exchange Club’s winter shoe and coat fund.

“I cant believe how many people turned out for this,” said Exchange Club member Jeanie Foltz.

Muskogee Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wilkerson, said club members work with area schools to identify who children will receive the assistance and they oversee the distribution of the funds. Wilkerson said no goal was established for this event, but he believed they raised at least $2,000 to add to the fund.

“We have $5,000 budgeted for our shoe and coat fund and we were trying to increase that,” he said.

Trophies were awarded to the top three places for adult, youth, team adult and team youth races. Other awards were given for categories such as Best Team Effort, Best Decorated, and Pride of the Regatta.

The grassy hillside of the harbor was bustling with a large crowd. People gathered under shade trees to stay cool, while children would run to the shore to get their feet wet.

Brian Garner, 37 of Muskogee, held his son Josh, 5, as they watched the race from underneath a tent. Garner said he had to decide whether to take his son to the zoo or to the regatta. He said he made the right decision.

“I thought this would be more fun,” Garner said. “I think this has the potential to be as big, if not bigger, than the chili cook-off. We might build one next year and race together.”