COVID-19 forced the cancellation of this summer's Silly Boat Regatta. The event is a major fundraiser for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COVID-19 cancellation

Popular Silly Boat Regatta in Nanaimo cancelled

Apr 2, 2020 | 12:45 PM

NANAIMO — One of Nanaimo’s most popular annual events and a major fundraiser for disadvantaged children has been cancelled.

The Nanaimo Child Development Centre announced the cancellation of the 36^th annual Silly Boat Regatta which was scheduled to take place on July 19, 2020 at Swy-A-Lana Lagoon.

“We look forward to a successful event next year,” noted the release, citing the unprecedented times the global community is facing.

Last year’s Silly Boat Regatta featuring homemade boat races generated $110,000 to support Nanaimo Child Development Centre programming.

Thousands of spectators attend the event annually.

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The Dragon Boat Festival recently announced the cancellation of this year’s event on Nanaimo’s waterfront due to the evolving COVID-19 crisis.

Both the Dragon Boat Festival and Silly Boat Regatta are part of the Marine Festival, which runs throughout July and culminates in the annual bathtub race in Nanaimo waters.

Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society commodore Greg Peacock said their board of directors continues to monitor the status of bathtub weekend slated to take place July 24 to 26.

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