Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady are working hard to bring the Dad Vail Regatta back to the Schuylkill.
But if they can't, they may just start an entirely new rowing event to replace it.
Nutter and other officials were floored last week by the regatta organizers' decision to move the event to Rumson, N.J. for 2010, without even discussing operating costs with the city.
The regatta was facing financial hardship after the city said the regatta would have to pay for city services such as police and sanitation. Both sides were set to meet and work out a deal, but the Dad Vail organization bolted before those talks could happen after receiving a $250,000 offer to move the event north.
Dad Vail committee chairman Jack Galloway said the regatta will head upstream as long as that money comes through.
Obviously, the city would rather see them stay in Philly, but they've started to come up with a backup plan.
"Congressman Brady and I and a number of corporate leaders are looking at the prospect of hosting a Philadelphia regatta, or a 'Mayor's Cup' race, with the premier schools locally, regionally, and nationally," Nutter told KYW1060 radio.
Officials are also discussing bringing another existing event to the shores of the Schuylkill.
The Dad Vail Regatta, which has been held in Philadelphia since 1953, is a two-day rowing event drawing 122 schools from around the country. More than 30,000 spectators watched last years regatta.
