The Royal St. John's Regatta

Starting with the Amateur

One of the more obvious and longest running traditions is the first race of the day being the Amateur race. The name of a race indicated the people or class of people who participtaed in that race. For example, Mercantile Race was all people who worked in the retail trade on Water Street. The Amateur Race was usually those who did not earn a living by physical activity or were white collar workers. Considering the early morning pond is considered the best pond of the day with smooth water, it may be that these conditions made it easier for those who had little or no rowing experience. These names are still used, but they no longer reflect the connection of any of the rowers to their work, trade or social distinction.

Church Lads Brigade Regimental Band

The bandstand full of band members, with several spectators watching nearby

The Church Lad's Brigade Band in the bandstand on Regatta Day 2003
(Year: 2003, Size: 53kB, Source: Digitization Team)

Finally, one of the more noticeable traditions of the Regatta is the band. In the bandstand sits the Church Lads Brigade Regimental Band as they have since 1964. Some other bands which have played are: Professor Bennett's Band, Band of the Nfld. Regiment, Mount Cashel Band, and the American Armed Forces Band. The CLB band can be heard playing many wonderful tunes, but, of course, their rendition of "The Banks of Newfoundland" is what really stirs the heart.

In addition to entertaining between races, the band plays a march called "Garry Owen" at the beginning of a race and "The Banks of Newfoundland" (more commonly known to Regatta-goers as "Up the Pond") at the end of a race. The CLB has a long history in Newfoundland and close ties to the Royal St. John's Regatta. In fact, until 1992, the original Blue Peter hung from the rafters in a place of respect at the CLB Armoury on Harvey Road. Unfortunately, both the Armoury and the racing shell were destroyed in a fire on December 21^st, 1992.

The Royal St. John's Regatta is without a doubt one of the most traditional sporting events in Newfoundland, Canada, and possibly the world. It recognizes and celebrates its own past, and that of St. John's and Newfoundland. Indeed, the Royal St. John's Regatta lives up to its motto�

"Let the contest be governed by tradition."

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		Starting with the Amateur One of the more obvious and longest running traditions is the first race of the day being the Amateur race. The name of a race indicated the people or class of people who participtaed in that race. For example, Mercantile Race was all people who worked in the retail trade on Water Street. The Amateur Race was usually those who did not earn a living by physical activity or were white collar workers. Considering the early morning pond is considered the best pond of the day with smooth water, it may be that these conditions made it easier for those who had little or no rowing experience. These names are still used, but they no longer reflect the connection of any of the rowers to their work, trade or social distinction. Church Lads Brigade Regimental Band The Church Lad's Brigade Band in the bandstand on Regatta Day 2003 (Year: 2003, Size: 53kB, Source: Digitization Team) Finally, one of the more noticeable traditions of the Regatta is the band. In the bandstand sits the Church Lads Brigade Regimental Band as they have since 1964. Some other bands which have played are: Professor Bennett's Band, Band of the Nfld. Regiment, Mount Cashel Band, and the American Armed Forces Band. The CLB band can be heard playing many wonderful tunes, but, of course, their rendition of "The Banks of Newfoundland" is what really stirs the heart. In addition to entertaining between races, the band plays a march called "Garry Owen" at the beginning of a race and "The Banks of Newfoundland" (more commonly known to Regatta-goers as "Up the Pond") at the end of a race. The CLB has a long history in Newfoundland and close ties to the Royal St. John's Regatta. In fact, until 1992, the original Blue Peter hung from the rafters in a place of respect at the CLB Armoury on Harvey Road. Unfortunately, both the Armoury and the racing shell were destroyed in a fire on December 21^st, 1992. The Royal St. John's Regatta is without a doubt one of the most traditional sporting events in Newfoundland, Canada, and possibly the world. It recognizes and celebrates its own past, and that of St. John's and Newfoundland. Indeed, the Royal St. John's Regatta lives up to its motto� "Let the contest be governed by tradition." Page 1 \| Page 2 \| Page 3