To celebrate 110 years of the Astoria Regatta, the celebration will be bigger and more attractions will be offered for spectators and participants.

“We’re going back to the (Columbia) River,” said Wes Nyberg, who is in charge of public relations during this year’s festivities.

Events will include more river-going fare such as the sailboat races, the boat parade and the reintroduction of the gillnet boat races. There will still be plenty for land-lubbers to do, including the new, “Ya Gotta Regatta,” which is a cardboard boat race for young and old alike.

“Ya Gotta Regatta” will be held Aug. 14 at the Astoria Aquatic Center and will host three classes of races:

Lewis and Clark Castaways – In this class the boats must be made of corrugated cardboard and be propelled by paddles, oars, etc.

Goonie Galleons – This class of race is the same as “Lewis and Clark Castaways” but is for participants 14-years-old and younger.

Pirates of the Columbia – The boats in this division must be propelled by devices such as paddlewheels, propellers, sails, etc.

There will be awards for different categories including the “Pride of the Regatta,” “The Best Dressed Team,” and the “Vogue Award.” First-, second- and third-place for the fastest time in each class will also be awarded prizes.

A teen swim will be held at the Astoria Aquatic Center Aug. 13. The swim lasts from 9 p.m. to midnight.

The 2004 Regatta will run Aug. 11 through Aug. 15.

Call 325-7027 or visit the Astoria Aquatic Center for more information.