LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the New
Paltz Regatta on May 3, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional recreational institutions and special events; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the New Paltz Regatta held on Sunday, May
3, 2015, in New Paltz, New York; and
WHEREAS, Recreational boating races are an enjoyable pastime in which
many New York State residents actively participate during the summer
months; and
WHEREAS, On May 15, 1955, the members of the Delta Kappa Fraternity of
SUNY New Paltz held the inaugural New Paltz Regatta featuring an array
of strange and unusual homemade watercrafts made from various materials;
and
WHEREAS, A massive auto-parade helped carry peculiar boats of all
types down Main Street to the "Old Swimming Hole", and nearly a thousand
students and townspeople lined both banks of the Wallkill River to watch
the excitement; and
WHEREAS, Since then, New Paltz Regatta entrants have entered the
waters of the Wallkill River each year, splashing and scrambling down-
stream for a quarter of a mile to reach the finish line at the Rt. 299
Bridge; and
WHEREAS, To enter the Regatta, contestant's vessels must be handcraft-
ed by the participants, and built raft-style only using no motors;
although the bottoms of previous boats may be re-used, there must be a
new overall theme to the watercrafts each year; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the New Paltz Regatta has given back to its
community by raising funds to benefit the Family of New Paltz; and
WHEREAS, Today, the tradition of the New Paltz Regatta continues to
serve as a symbol of community, eccentricity, and the welcoming of the
summer months here in this beautiful Hudson Valley community; and
WHEREAS, The rich and colorful history of the New Paltz Regatta has
formed it into the renowned public event it is today; the race exempli-
fies a spirit of civic pride, and demonstrates the values of generosity,
cooperative effort and enduring fellowship in the citizens of the great
State of New York; it will remain a center of community life to be
enjoyed by future generations for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when recre-
ational events of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the New Paltz Regatta on May 3,
2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New Paltz Chamber of Commerce.