It was 1955. Elvis Presley was on television for the first time. The doors open to the first McDonald’s franchise. The Tappan Zee Bridge is opened to traffic. Members of Delta Kappa organize a regatta of homemade boats on the Wallkill River in New Paltz for the first time. It’s since become an annual tradition, with the Carmine Liberta bridge that serves as the finish line being packed with spectators.
While it’s technically a race with a winner, what seems to draw the most interest is which of the human-powered craft will make it to the finish line at all.
Attendance at the annual regatta has swelled in recent years, but it is getting harder to find anyone interested in assembling a boat to enter into it. Local business owner Max Kimlin is trying to change that, by offering $500 toward the building materials for two boats to be entered in this year’s race.
“I love New Paltz, and the regatta is one of the best events,” Kimlin said. “It’s almost as good as the Halloween parade.” However, “it takes a lot of planning, time and energy to avoid sinking with your friends. A week before, it’s too late to build a boat.”
That’s why Kimlin made this offer, via a Facebook post, asking for groups with a plan to build a boat to reach out. Kimlin will pay two groups that seem credible $500 for materials, but warned that this is a personal process that’s based on whether it seems like a boat will end up in the water. “Donating is a way to give people motivation” to build a boat, whether it’s on Kimlin’s dime or not. “My friends all say, ‘gotta build a boat next year,’ but then it comes, and no one builds a boat.”
Kimlin imagines that the money might go to a group of high school or college students, or a scout troop or church group.
Those who think they have what it takes can search for Max Kimlin on Facebook, or call Kimlin Propane at 255-7324 to pitch their plan. The New Paltz Regatta will return to the Wallkill River on Sunday, June 8.
Join the family! 
