When your Dad, [Dad Clark, left], is the Announcer at the Regatta, and when his friends are as lovely as the tuneful Harry, then you are in for a treat!!

The Dad Vails have been running in Philadelphia for many many years, they are a huge tradition.

The famous Boat House Row has been photographed many times over.

Armed with a "parking permit" on our windscreen, and a picnic lunch in the back seat, we set off to the Regatta. The Regatta is a huge tournament for college teams, and a prestigious one at that!

Rowing is a sport that Philadelphia was made for. There were dozens of rowers in the water as we drove into Philladelphia (Philly) along the picturesque and fast moving "Kelly Drive".

As we got closer to the finishing line, the road was blocked, closed for the Regatta. We used our pass to get in, and entered the two mile closure of Kelly Drive.

We passed hundreds of people who had set up tents, and who were cooking BBQ's all having great fun.

The atmosphere was electric.

We parked and made our way along the river to the finish line and to where Dad was located.

This is the finish-line building (above). The Time Keepers, Time Officials (below) and Announcers inhabit this building for the duration of the 3 day rowing competition.

We heard Ed before we saw him... over the loud speaker.

The races were going on continually, and we could hear screams and cheers from the banks.

It got busier and busier the closer we got to the finish line.

We, unlike the several thousand other spectators, knew the right people to be able to get into the buidling where the judges (left sat and, of course, we knew the announcer. [Who we knew well!].

What a view!!

We climbed the stairs to the top of the buidling when you looked down you could actually see the finish line.

We watched a few races from that unrivalled vantage point, and found ourselves instantly caught up in the excitement of the day.

It was great to see the people we met the night before in action. We went to the the Dad Vail Regatta Party, celebrating the many years of service to the Dad Vails, and to the sport of rowing.

Then another surprise was in store for me...

The previous evening I had been fortunate enough to meet Harry and Jay [brothers].

Harry sang wonderful Irish songs for me, and he gave us a private tour of the "Fairmount Boat House"
On Boathouse Row

Anyway, the next thing I knew I was being ushered down to the jetty. Dad called Harry

I saw Harry and Jay coming towards me with their boat. I waved thinking I was there to see them and say "Hi".

Harry reached out his hand and said "Come Aboard".

Dad had arranged for them to take me out their "Race Official" boat. I could NOT believe it. I was so excited.

We headed up river out of the wake of the passing race boats. The view I got was incredible.

When we reached the top we took our position as a Race Official.

All the teams were lined up at the start, and their boats where being held by girls and guys who spend the day hanging out on river floats - just being the starting line!

They were doing an essential job.

I could not believe the distance that these rowers had to travel , their speed and their strength!

I sure was glad to be in the boat following them!

The tension mounted. Harry explained some things to me about rowing. He still rows loads.

[I have been to the Henley Regatta before, but all these people and this special treatment was the icing on the cake!!]

After being up and down the river a few times, the guys took me back to the bank where E.J. was waiting.

I could not stop smiling, I was ecstatic!

We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon on land.

We ate our picnic and walked around before finally leaving the Regatta and heading home.

What a wonderful day!

A BIG thanks to Dad Clark, to Harry and to Jay for making this a very special day.

You guys truly are wonderful!

Hurrah for all the volunteers who are down there from very early until very late, thanks for creating this spectacular event.

PS: The Awards and Medals are given out at the end of each race.

Look at all those trophies!

See if you can make it Next Year!

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during Mother's Day Weekend!