Rotary Dockfest and the famous Bathtub Races, return to Huntsville this coming Saturday July 12th.
The Bathtub Derby is full of zany antics, as motorized bathtubs navigate their way through a challenging course of obstacles trying to maintain balance and speed. Healthy competition aside, Dockfest is free for all to enjoy and is really about community engagement and, thanks to great sponsorship support, raising money for good causes.
The day gets underway at 10am, with a parade of participating tubs down Main St., competing for the five hundred dollar ‘Best Tub’ prize. The parade also features the Huntsville Legion Colour Guard and the Cameron of Locheil Pipe Band, as well as our MP Scott Aitchison, MPP Graydon Smith and our local Mayor Nancy Alcock.
Opening ceremonies follow with races beginning at 11am. In between heats the crowd will be entertained by water stunt professionals and, of course, Dotty the Clown will make her return aiming to pester the drivers, and sometimes the crowd, armed with her trusty water gun.
Following the races, and a break to allow the obstacle course to be cleared, there will be a more formal water stunt show featuring demonstrations on flyboards, stand up jet ski as well as air foil and efoil boards! NEW THIS YEAR will be a full water ski show, under the professional guidance of Liam Alrich and his mates from Lake of Bays Marina. Slalom and barefoot skiing, wakeboard tricks and jumps, and a patriotic Canadian Flag Line, will all be featured in this ‘first time in Huntsville’ special event. The ski show starts at 2pm.
During the races and following the show, River Mill Park comes alive with music from the Ross Kirwin Bandshell as well as games and children’s crafts. The Pub On The Docks will be hosting a beer and refreshment area including food for purchase from the Lion’s Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
Dockfest would not be possible without strong support from the business community and once again, Pipefusion Services Inc. and NyDock have stepped up as co-event sponsor. In addition to sponsorship dollars, owner Jan Nyquist’s companies have provided numerous dock and water related devices to allow the Derby course to be created. Other keys sponsors include Simply Cottage furnishings, Huntsville Marine, Connor Ryan RBC Wealth Management, Lovegrove Construction, North Country Contracting, Drive Muskoka, HLD and Sandhill Nursery.
The Rotary Club of Huntsville has been serving the community of Huntsville and is part of the international organization of Rotary International who provide humanitarian service across the globe.