United Way of Bartholomew County launches first Columbus Riverfest, 'Ya Gotta Regatta'

COLUMBUS, Ind. - United Way of Bartholomew County will debut a new community event this summer, inviting residents to race cardboard boats, enjoy family-friendly activities, and fund a great cause. The inaugural Columbus Riverfest featuring "Ya Gotta Regatta" is on July 31 at Mill Race Park.

Proceeds will benefit the organization’s ongoing campaign to reduce poverty and homelessness in Bartholomew County.   

The highlight of the day will be a cardboard boat race on Mill Race Pond, where teams will design and build vessels entirely out of cardboard before competing for various awards. 

Categories include a People’s Choice Award, determined through dollar-for-dollar voting by supporters. Each team will receive a dedicated fundraising page upon registration to collect donations and track contributions.

The event is open to everyone and will also feature food trucks and a range of family-friendly activities.   

“When people come together to build a boat for Columbus Riverfest and the Ya Gotta Regatta, they help drive our work to reduce poverty and homelessness,” said Mark Stewart, president of United Way of Bartholomew County.

Teams and sponsors can register online at uwbarthco.goodworldnow.com/p/riverfest or by visiting uwbarthco.org and selecting “Columbus Riverfest featuring Ya Gotta Regatta” under the events section.