WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- It didn't rain on festivities at the 27th Annual Waterfront Festival Saturday morning as many teams geared up for the Cardboard Boat Regatta.  

Hundreds flocked to Seneca Harbor Park to watch the boat race, part of the 27th Annual Waterfront Festival. The festival returned to Watkins Glen this weekend after taking a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Thirty teams raced around the Seneca Village Marina with boats only made from cardboard, tape, glue, and paint. Heavy winds and temperatures in the 50s were not enough to keep people away from watching the boat race.  

“People are excited,” Laurie Denardo, Chairwoman of the Waterfront Festival, said. “People are ready to do it, and excited despite the weather.”  

Trevor Davis was sharing craft beers with people at the event before taking the Horseheads Brewing Company boat out on the lake. The local brewing company opened up at another location about a month ago on Seneca Lake. They were excited to have a large summer consumer market return this summer.  

"I think it's great," Davis said, “It's another opportunity to get our name out and bring our love for craft beer to a heavy summer market, especially with all the tourists coming in and supporting the locals here." 

Horseheads Brewing Co. Cellarman & Assistant Brewer John Bloom feels it's important to have events like the regatta stay prevalent. He says events similar to the boat race and festival allow local businesses to have more fun while interacting with customers.  

“It allows us to connect with our customers on a really deep level, have fun, and be a little different than it is at the brewery,” Bloom said. "We enjoy being a part of it." 

People can look forward to the Italian Festival coming to Watkins Glenn this August. More information is posted on the Watkins Glen Italian Festival Facebook Page.