Geneva foundation to host boat race

The Geneva Academic Foundation will host its fourth annual Mighty Viking Boat Race during the Festival of the Vine from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at Island Park. Thousands of miniature boats will be released into the river from the State Street bridge.

Families and children of all ages can follow the progress of their boats down the Fox River to Island Park where school officials will be waiting to announce the winners.

Festivities will include an afternoon of games, music, food, raffles, and family fun. Raffle prizes include a 42-inch plasma HDTV donated by Grants Appliances, and a pair of diamond earrings courtesy of State Street Jewelers and cash prizes. Local bands "The Sketches Trio" and "Waiting for Yesterday" will perform and there will be many games for children of all ages. The silent auction will again include the coveted "Sleigh Ride With Santa," an item that can only be obtained at this event.

The Geneva Academic Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the educational experience of Geneva students. It aspires to connect students at all grade levels to new encounters, ideas and challenges by funding technology, services, programs and equipment. Since its beginning in 1987, the foundation has given more than $800,000 to Geneva schools. Its members are parents, faculty and administrators, community leaders and business proprietors. For details, e-mail to info@gafgeneva.org or visit www.gafgeneva.org.