Asquamchumaukee Regatta FAQs
WHAT IS THE ASQUAMCHUMAUKEE REGATTA?
The Regatta is a boat race along the Baker River that raises money for MVCS (see race details below)
WHY A REGATTA?
MVCS is always looking to engage the local community to raise awareness of our unique school and to access donors outside of our immediate school community. At MVCS, part of our vision is to create a connection between our students and the local landscape to foster respect and stewardship for the natural world. The regatta carries this vision to the broader community: the Baker River runs through several local towns and the regatta provides an opportunity for community members to connect to the local landscape in a new, fun, community-oriented way. In 2018, MVCS hosted its first Regatta fundraiser and local families, PSU students, and amateur and professional paddlers from throughout New England have annually come together to support our school in this event.
CAN OUR FAMILY PARTICIPATE IN THE REGATTA?
You sure can! If you have a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, you can compete in a short-course with a special "family class" category; the race also features prizes for best costumes. Paddling down the Baker with fellow MVCS families is a one-of-a-kind opportunity!
OUR FAMILY ISN’T BIG ON PADDLING- ARE THERE OTHER WAYS WE CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE REGATTA?
Oh you bet! Volunteering and spectating at the regatta are great ways to get to know other MVCS families and to get outside in support of our wonderful school. None of the volunteer opportunities are "hard" or require special knowledge of regattas- we just need friendly faces to help out with some of the organizational tasks required of any group event. ALSO, watching the boats glide down into the Pemigawasset River in Plymouth (where the Regatta ends) is fun to watch as a whole family. Bring your neighbors, friends, co-workers or families and cheer from the Plymouth Bridge or as racers come into dock at the boat ramp; the costume contest always brings out the best in the PSU students! And the Plymouth amphitheatre has plenty of space for the kiddos to run around and play with their friends. Grab lunch at the Family Committee's food and bake sale and spend the afternoon with MVCS friends, all while supporting our amazing school!
CAN WE PADDLE IN THE REGATTA IF WE ARE VOLUNTEERING?
Yes! There are a number of volunteer opportunities available that let you participate in the race. Volunteers also get a discount on their registration fee.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Get in touch with race co-coordinators, MVCS fathers Jamie Hannon (jamie@mountainvillagecharterschool.org) or David Goldstein (djgoldste@gmail.com).
HOW DOES THE REGATTA RAISE MONEY FOR MVCS?
The Regatta raises money through race registration fees and sponsorships.
WHO SPONSORS THE REGATTA?
Local businesses and individuals who want to support our school and build a stronger community by championing a fun, family-oriented local event.
WHY ARE SPONSORSHIPS IMPORTANT?
Race organizers use monetary sponsorships to cover base costs of the regatta (t-shirts, prizes, permitting fees, etc); any remaining funds are direct donations to MVCS. Businesses also donate products- gift cards or special items- that the regatta can use as race or raffle prizes. In addition to raising money for MVCS, asking local businesses to sponsor this school event is a great way to talk to people about MVCS and its mission. MVCS is still a relatively new addition to the local community and getting our name out there is essential to creating the community ties that foster strong, long-lasting relationships.
If you know of a local business or individual that may be interested in supporting MVCS through a sponsorship, ask them! Tell them about our school and why it's important to your family. If they are on board, send their contact info to David Goldstein (race co-coordinator and father of a Sapling, Black Bear, and Loon) at djgoldste@gmail.com