By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Region – With this year’s theme of music, melodic sounds of various genres accompanied the traditionally creative sights Sept. 9 when the annual Lake Quinsigamond Boat Parade began and ended at Regatta Point in Worcester.
Decorated boats were judged for creativity by state Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury; state Rep. Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury; Shrewsbury Selectmen Beth Casavant and Moira Miller, board vice chair; Angela Snell, director of Shrewsbury Parks, Recreation and Cemetery; and Ken Bergeron, legislative aide to state Rep. James O’Day, D-West Boylston.
New this year, the entries were judged in two categories: pontoons and other boats. The announcement for best decorated boat other than pontoon was music to the ears of the Cronin family and their Groveridge Path neighbors of Shrewsbury for their entry with a “Beach Boys” theme.
In the pontoon category, the Troio family of Shrewsbury scored first place for transforming their boat into the vintage flying car of the book, musical film and stage show “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” A boat revamped to resemble a rollicking 1970s disco club with the Village People lookalikes singing “YMCA” placed second for the Tuesday Night Boat Club of Worcester.
Two entries tied for third place: The Lynn family of Shrewsbury for “Jail House Rock” with an Elvis Presley impersonator and a boatful of dancing cellmates, and the Fitzgerald family and friends of the Worcester area for “Hair Bands” – pun intended.
The parade was moved last year from the Donahue Rowing Center in Shrewsbury to Regatta Point in Worcester to join other activities and create Lake Quinsigamond Day. Preceding the afternoon parade, the celebration began that morning with a Classic Boat Show. Festivities continued with a pizza truck, and beer and wine. Providing live music were Blues House Between and the Rusty String Band.
Lake Quinsigamond Day was organized by Baystate Woodies, Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association and Regatta Point Community Sailing. Event sponsors were Full Throttle Marine and More, Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union, Shore Side Docks, Ski Chair and USA Marine.
(Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.)
