The 31st annual Mayor's Cup Festival & Regatta - July 10 – 13, 2008

What is the Mayor's Cup Festival and Regatta?

The Mayor's Cup is an exciting weekend planned out by the city and sponsors. This event will be the 31st annual Mayor's Cup to take place in Plattsburgh, NY on beautiful Lake Champlain and offers visitors and residents many activities to enjoy throughout the weekend. Such activities include local art displays, kid's activities, food, live music, boat shows & races, car shows & races, and of course a beautiful fireworks display. Sailboat racing is more than a hobby it is a way of life in the “Burgh”, with the Valcour Sailing Club running multiple races weekly. The racers of this years Regatta are sparing no expenses in making their boats as fast in the water as possible to win the biggest event held on Lake Champlain.

What to Expect?

The long awaited annual mayor's cup kickoff begins July 10th on Lake Champlain with the 2nd annual “Boat Parade of Lights” sponsored by Church Oil. Last year the Boat Parade of Lights was a major hit among residents and visitors, leaving only the same if not better to be expected this year. Many boats will be decorated for judging. The parade begins at Wilcox Dock and end at the Plattsburgh Boat Basin.

Friday, July 11th starts with "Thomas the Tank Tales" at the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum. Children will enjoy crafts, songs, stories, and an episode of Thomas & Friends. This event requires registration as space is limited. Call 563-9770 ext. 130 or email jowens@mountainlake.org.

Between the hours of 10am – 6pm be sure to check out the Artisan Fair on Lower Brinkerhoff Street sponsored by The North Country Cultural Center for the Arts. Crafters & Artisans exhibit their talents. They will have beautiful items for sale, and interactive demonstrations on going. While you stroll along through the festival be aware of all the wonderful and exciting children's activities such as the Velcro Wall, Air Twister, Obstacle Course and much more!

Of course the Mayor's Cup Festival and Regatta wouldn't be the same without live music and you are in for a wonderful experience beginning with two very talented local bands. “Shameless Strangers” will take to the United Group Mainstage at the MacDonough Monument around 4:00pm. The Shameless Stranger will leave you energized with a smile and ready for “Lucid” to take the stage. You will not want to miss this performance by “Lucid” which includes a light show. A break for the fireworks will take place around 9pm and the music continues again until 11pm

Don't forget about the 2nd annual splash party sponsored by Northern Car Crushers & Curtis Lumber. The splash party entails a three hour, sunset cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III featuring the Blind Pig Blues Band. Tickets are $35 per person and are available at Champlain Centres customer service desk, North Country Cultural Center for the Arts, Champlain National Bank and Perrywinkles' Fine Jewelry.

Saturday's Events begin with the 31st Annual Mayor's Cup Regatta and Barbecue. The event is a highlight of Mayor's Cup Festival and biggest Regatta on Lake Champlain. The Regatta includes competitive racing in several sailing classes with a post race barbecue and awards ceremony held at The Naked Turtle Co. Tickets will be available the day of the Regatta at the hospitality desk. For information contact Amber at 569-0151.

Other events throughout the day include The Artisan Fair, Kid's Activities, 5k Run/Walk, Stage Plays, Car Race at Airborne Race Track, Race Car Expo, and a first time Flea Market held behind the train station, downtown off of Dock Street. Local bands will be performing between the hours of 11am – 4pm on the Dick Country Store and Music Oasis Stage at the end of Brinkerhoff Street. Other entertaining acts of the evening include performances by the “Busco Bandits” at 7pm and the “Winter Brothers” at 9pm. Both performances will be held at the United Group Mainstage at the MacDonough Monument.

Sunday, the final event of the Mayor's Cup Festival and Regatta is a bike ride beginning at Whiteface Ski Mountain in Wilmington, NY and ending in Plattsburgh, NY. All riders are to register by calling 562 – 7913. Bus transportation will be available. For more information pertaining to any of the Mayor's Cup Events please visit www.mayorscup.com or check the plattsburghpipeline.com events calendar.