The annual Royal St. John’s Regatta file photo. Photo by File photo /THE TELEGRAMArticle contentRegatta Committee, well done on getting another one in the books.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentI’m 70 years old and I’ve never missed a Regatta. At least not one I can remember missing. Now I’m not just another old crank pining for the old days. Well, yes I am, to some extent!Article contentArticle contentI don’t think anyone can deny that the carnival atmosphere is dwindling. I posit that it is your responsibility not only to run the races efficiently but equally to give the people of the city and others visiting, a good time to let their hair down and have some fun.Article contentArticle contentThere were only three traditional spins from long-time participants. The Torbay and Flatrock fire department said last year was their final one. I’m sure the disappointment I relayed to them at the time was not the only reason they came back but will they be back again next year?Article contentAt a guess, I’d say 50 per cent of the booths offered food. It is great to see the international varieties available now but how often can you indulge your stomach in one day? Mind you our regatta is not complete without lunch at the Hindu Temple.Article contentAdd to that, booths simply selling things does not add one iota to the day’s fun factor. I do not want to join the RCMP nor enroll in the College of the North Atlantic.Article contentSure the biggest booth there belonged to a politician!Article contentWhat happened to all the charities? As a child I was told to only spend my pocket full of coins at the charity stalls. I told my children the same and this time my daughter told her daughter to stick to the charity wheels. That part of her day was over in 15 minutes.Article contentArticle contentI know there are rapidly changing demographics these days that have undermined many things we were used to. I don’t know if that has anything to do with it. I just don’t know, do you?Article contentNow I’ll get to my point. I have a suggestion for you. Strike up a subcommittee whose responsibility it is to compile two lists and mesh them together. Beat the bushes looking for corporate sponsors who would love to have their logo and advertising on a regatta booth.Article contentThe second is a list of charities who would also like the chance to raise money, but need help. Perhaps the sponsors could encourage their employees to help man the booths.Article contentNow get the two parties together.Article contentPerhaps another committee could seek out new ideas for entertaining, not to mention lucrative endeavours within the confines of a booth. How about a Speakers Corner where anyone could pay $5 to the Diabetes Association for five minutes at the microphone.
LETTER: Bring back more of a carnival feel at the regatta
