The tents were up last night for a number of the clubs competing in the Greater Chicago Junior Rowing Championships.
Crystal Lake was calm on the morning of the regatta.
This morning about 7:15, Crystal Lake was calm and morning sprinkles had ended.
Team members were unloading their skiffs.
The rowers were unloading their boats that early.
These girls were carrying their boat after 8:30.
The process continued until after nine although some were still being prepared as the heats were beginning.
As one fireman opened the gate, a blinking arrow helpfully pointed to the entrance.
Crystal Lake Fire Department arrived, just in case they might be needed.
The Crystal Lake Park District was formed in 1911.
With the home team advantage, the Crystal Lake Rowing Club set up its tents closest to the entrance.
Tents were to the left as one entered the Main Beach gate. Crystal Lake’s were first.
Tents were on both sides of the gravel path into the park.
Others stretched toward the lake’s outlet as far as the second set of swings.
Some of the competitors younger siblings were enjoying the preliminary show put on by a water skier.
Unfortunately, the big raft used to launch fireworks and the floating fishing pier were prohibited viewing spots.
Yellow cautiion tape blocked entrance to the rafts.
Young men were preparing for the start of the first heats.
The skiffs are launched at the Main Beach, they are rowed to the West End, where the races begin.
Row to the West End along the North Shore, the woman points.
As I left, the Chicago Training Center Rowing team was preparing their skiffs for the competition.
A Chicago team prepares for their races.
The Main Beach parking lot was full before nine.
A Crystal Lake Jaycee directed people to parking spaces.
The axillary one across the street to the west was almost full when I left at 9:15.
Parking was at a premium for the Turnberry Garden Club's flower sale.
Across the street was the annual Turnberry Garden Club flower sale.
Good seats for the regatta can be found at the Gate 3, Gate 7 and Gate 13 beaches on the South side of Crystal Lake. There is no parking available for non-residents, but the location you see is only about 6/10 of a mile from the Main Beach.
Just to let you know, the Crystal Lake Fire Department hires women and they do not have a position of “fireman.” The job title is generic, firefighter. Unless your intent is to discriminate against women, you should not use an outdated masculine form of the job title.