KUAC hosts final Red Green Regatta Sunday

July 23, 2015

University of Alaska Fairbanks photo. Participants of the 2013 Red Green Regatta push off from the shore and float downriver.

KUAC’s 19th and final Red Green Regatta will launch Sunday, July 26, at 11 a.m. from Graehl Park in Fairbanks. Spectators can view the “flotilla of fun” from the Wendell, Barnette and Cushman Street bridges, the pedestrian bridges near downtown and Pioneer Park, and along the banks of the Chena River. The regatta ends at the Pioneer Park boat launch.

The regatta celebrates the comedy of “The Red Green Show,” which airs Saturdays at 8 p.m. on KUAC TV public broadcasting. Red Green will be in Fairbanks to help officially retire the event. Regatta vessels are crafted with lots of duct tape and a whole lot of creativity. “Captain” Craig Compeau will ferry Red Green and special guests on the judges’ boat. Red Green will announce the winners at the finish line at approximately 1 p.m.

Judges rate watercraft entries on criteria like the innovative use of the handyman’s secret weapon — duct tape — and integration of the Red Green theme. Boasting rights include “Best Viewed at a Distance” and “Most Un ‘fathom’ able.” This year’s grand prize is a standup paddleboard provided by Compeau’s and Traxx. Registration for the regatta is online until Thursday, July 23, at www.kuac.org. After that, registration is cash only at the event between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Graehl Park.

Registration is $25 per vessel online and $30 the day of the event. Each registration includes an official 2015 Red Green Regatta T-shirt designed by local graphic art firm Jolly Roger Inc. Additional T-shirts are available at the regatta or in advance for $20 each. Official rules, prize information, liability and registration forms are available at www.kuac.org. For more information, call 907-474-7491.

This year’s lead sponsor is Bettisworth North. Other sponsors include Glacier Point Services, Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo, Alaska Cruise Association/Cruise Lines International, Compeau’s, Sportsmedicine and Orthopedics Fairbanks, Dr. Dan Johnson Orthopedics, Water Wagon, FairbanksAlaska.com, Pro Music, Graphic North, Paddler’s Cove Outfitters, Dr. Phyllis Pendergrast, Sani-Can, Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.