First Columbus Riverfest/'Ya Gotta Regatta' is a big hit

OLUMBUS, Ind. - The inaugural Columbus Riverfest, featuring the first‑ever Ya Gotta Regatta, stayed afloat in more ways than one.

Spectators filled the grassy banks around Mill Race Park’s North Lake on Friday, July 31, as 27 teams from local government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses raced cardboard boats to raise money for the United Way of Bartholomew County.

The event’s first responder-heat paired the Columbus Police Department (CPD) and the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) against Columbus Regional Health EMS. CPD officers Isaiah McCory and Rebekah Simmons paddled to a respectable second-place finish. 

For CFD, the race ended much sooner, and much wetter. Their watercraft, aptly named “Send Help,” began taking on water within the first few seconds. Lt. Ben Noblitt and firefighter Trae Haley decided to steer toward shore rather than attempt to finish the course. They placed third in the heat, but earned plenty of laughs from the crowd.

Columbus Regional Health EMS ultimately won the first responder heat, claiming the top spot in the debut Ya Gotta Regatta.

Columbus Riverfest drew big crowds and raised money for the United Way of Bartholomew County, so we can probably look forward to a second event next summer. See more pictures and videos on the City of Columbus Facebook page or on the United Way of Bartholomew County FB page.