A bit of drizzle can't hurt: 199th Royal St. John's Regatta underway

An August tradition in St. John's is well underway, after organizers with the Royal St. John's Regatta looked at the forecast and gave the all clear for the 199th annual rowing competition.

Brad Power, who helps run operations atthe lake, said his staff wereready to spring in to action as soon as the races werecalled this morning.

• Most of Canada gets a 3-day long weekend in August but not St. John's

"When we say it's a go for Regatta day, our staff now are coordinating, putting over 20 racing shells on the dock, and having them positioned for the various races of the day," said Power

Games, food aplenty

One of the big draws down at the lake today will be the games and food trucks set up.

Folklorist Dale Jarvis has made it a longstanding tradition to head on out each year to #EatThePond.

He's excited about the always popular Hindu Temple, as well as newer standsfrom international restaurants like Soul Azteca.

The races kicked off at 8:00a.m. atQuidiVidiLake, with thesenior female amateur category, and around 100 crews are set to race throughout the day.

• Get the full Regatta race schedule here

Social event

People started making their way to the shores of the lake by 7 a.m.

Some spectators arethere for the races, and others there for the food and games.

One games vendor, Stephen Hammond, said some of those who set up game booths at the Regatta have been doing it for more than 50 years.

Hammondsaid he's learned over his years at the regatta that the weather needs to be extremely bad to keep people away.

"People will come out anyway, as long as it doesn't downpour it will be fine," he told CBC from the lake.

"Kids love to come down and play the games, people who are a bit oldercome down for the social aspect and play some games as well. It's just a big community event."

Regatta day is the only weather dependent holiday in the country.

The event meansseveral road closures in the QuidiVidiarea, and full details can be found on the City of St. John's website.