ROSCOE VILLAGE — The Chicago Rowing Foundation is hosting a regatta Saturday at the WMS Boathouse at Clark Park featuring races, food and music.
The Rowtoberfest event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with a head-to-head contest between CRF middle-schoolers and the British School Chicago. Collegiate, junior novice, masters and junior races follow throughout the morning, with rowers making their way from the Cortland Street Bridge to the boathouse.
Spectators can catch the action at a number of viewing locations along the Chicago River or at the boathouse, 3400 N. Rockwell St., where a live video feed will be broadcast.
Concession sales — brats, Bavarian pretzels, Affy Tapples — start at 10:30 a.m. and the Biergarten (21 and over only) opens at 11 a.m. Proceeds from food and beverage sales support CRF's financial assistance program.
At 2 p.m., the band Red Pop Fury takes the stage and free "row in the tank" lessons get under way in the boathouse.
The event wraps up at 6 p.m.
More than 500 athletes are expected to take part in the regatta. Rockwell Street will be closed during the event between Addison and Melrose to accommodate participants. Free parking will be available to spectators at DeVry University — enter via Campbell.
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