boaters

Costumed boaters will race around the lake this Sunday to benefit a local literacy group.

By Ramie Becker, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 23, 2009

Bored with baseball? Tormented by the Tour de France? This Sunday, those hankering for spectator sportsmanship will have an especially amusing -- and local -- option, as Echo Park readies itself for the second annual Echo Park Lake Paddle Boat Regatta.

With team spirit (and goofy costumes) on board, about 90 participants will embark on the park's trusty paddle boats to navigate the lake's treacherous waters, dodge the geese, round the fountain and arrive victorious -- all in the pursuit of charity donations.

This eccentric fundraiser is the brainchild of 826LA, the local chapter of a national nonprofit that tutors students ages 6 to 18 in expository and creative writing skills.