Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
OQUOSSOC — Much to the delight of more than 100 middle-school students from throughout the region, the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum hosted the third annual Rangeley Regatta on the grounds of the museum and nearby Oquossoc Cove Marina. One of the smallest schools in terms of enrollment, Stratton cruised to its second team title in three years and took home the Rangeley Regatta Cup for the second year in a row.
It was a perfect day weather-wise and a good crowd turned out to take in the day-long event. Local teams made up of middle-school students from the towns of Rangeley, Stratton, Kingfield, Strong and Phillips come to the museum in Oquossoc for a wide range of competitions. Different students from each school vie for points towards the overall title in poetry, art, public speaking, a one-mile road race, fly-tying, fly-casting, outdoor trivia and kayak and canoe races. The finale and featured event of the competition consists of boys, girls and co-ed team crew-style races in the museum’s fleet of vintage Rangeley Boats.
“These sleek and beautiful boats are classic symbols of the region’s proud outdoor heritage, and to see the kids working in unison at the oars with the coxswain calling out the strokes is a lot of fun and a sight to see,” added historical society executive director Bill Pierce. The museum acquired and completely restored the six Rangeley Boats two years ago via a generous grant form . Each boat is named for an iconic personality from the region’s sporting past such as “Fly Rod Crosby,” “Carrie Stevens” and “Herb Welch,” to name just a few.
The day kicked off with a new event — Prep Division competition for the “Indian Rock Trophy.” Hebron Academy edged out Gould Academy for the top spot, followed by Kents Hill. The races were competitive throughout, and the level of camaraderie and sportsmanship between the longstanding rivals was inspiring.
The Prep Division competitors then served as volunteer mentors, coaches and venue operators for the middle school portion of the regatta later in the afternoon. “It was very rewarding to watch the prep students interact with the younger kids as they coached them and cheered them on. They really performed their volunteer roles very well,” shared historical society board member and race course director Kevin Sinnett.
The middle-school competition featured various team members from the region’s schools vying for points towards the team title in a variety of categories, noted above, as well as the premiere event — Crew Style Rowing Races utilizing the society’s fleet of vintage Rangeley Boats. When it was all said and done, Stratton took home the cup for the second year in a row, followed closely by the team from Rangeleym winning the inaugural event two years ago. Third place went to Phillips, followed by Kingfield and Strong respectively.
Volunteers consisting of staff from all the local schools, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society, Mollyockett Trout Unlimited, and Junior Maine Guides kept things running smoothly and helped make the fast-paced event a great success and a lot of fun for all.
“Every year the event has grown in one way or another and this year’s edition was clearly our best and biggest ever. Without the dedication and hard work of all our volunteers, sponsors and partners, this great day of fun and learning would be completely impossible to pull off,” added Pierce. For more information about the event, how you can help or support the efforts of the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society, please call 207-864-3091.
