Regattas 1907 to 1912

The Winnipeg Beach Club, an organization of prominent Winnipeg businessmen, organized the first regatta or water carnival held on Saturday, August 3, 1907. Eight thousand spectators crowded the pier and beach. It may have been one of the greatest water events in western Canadian history. Forty three events included sailboat, motorboat, canoe and rowing races, diving, swimming, and children’s races. This was followed by a parade of decorated boats, a mock battle between motor boats and sailboats, and fireworks. Kegs of gunpowder hung above stacked firewood were ignited creating huge bonfires on the beach. After 1912, the resort lost much of its elite, which moved south to the more exclusive resorts in Ponemah, Whytewold and Matlock, and the regattas ended.

Source: Heritage Manitoba

Researcher: Wally Johannson