Tempe Town Lake

"5th Annual Tempe Town Lake Outriggers Regatta

Outrigger Teams from California, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona will compete in a full day of outrigger sprints in this regionally sanctioned event. Hula dancers, Hawaiian music, and ono Hawaiian food will attract and entertain the crowds on shore. More than 300 paddlers competed last year with crowds of onlookers cheering from the shores of Town Lake and atop the Mill Avenue Bridge. This year promises to be even bigger!

Outrigger canoe paddling has long been a recognized sport within the Hawaiian culture with well-established traditions which promote the spirit of Aloha. The Mission of the Tempe Town Lake Outrigger Canoe Association is to educate, promote, and encourage interest in the sport of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling for recreation and competition, emphasizing youth and community participation."

Today we explored some quaint little towns in Arizona. We all jumped in the mini van with the plan of checking out some neighboring communities and the next thing we knew, we had town hopped all the way to Tempe Town Lake. We had a nice lunch, took a nice stroll through Arizona State University's artsy downtown area, and had a chance to watch some canoe racing along the shores of Tempe Town Lake. The event was alive with music and activity. Teams were set up under large tents cheering on their competition while waiting for their race to begin. And a very friendly woman who helped organize the event filled me in on the annual tradition that attracts teams from neighboring states.

This photo shows the sense of community and camaraderie that was taking place at this event today. Dozens of teams gathered at the same lake because they all share one similar thing......PASSION. Passion for the sport. A sport that has helped in putting Tempe Town Lake on the map.

A wonderful day of exploration. Exploring new towns that we have never visited before. Widening our views of the world with one simple car ride. And spending the day together as a family. Bonding and memory making.

Day 4......and still Arizona's biggest fan.