September 11, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind. - Indiana’s “most unusual spectacle in racing,” Vincennes University’s Tube Race on the Wabash River, will begin at 12 noon (EDT) on Sept. 15 as part of VU’s annual Fall Family and Alumni Weekend. The popular event returns after a three-year absence due to unfavorable river conditions. This will be the 35th Tube Race.
Starting at Kimmell Park and ending at the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, the Tube Race will feature teams of five women and five men. The rules allow teams to use as many tubes as desired to make rafts that are tied together with rope. The race will begin with a staggered start with each team’s time recorded as they reach the Lincoln Memorial Bridge. The top teams will receive trophies. A number of boats will be positioned along the route to help ensure safety.
In past years there have been as many as 65 teams in the Tube Race which is well-known to VU alumni. For the past three years, high- or low-water conditions have required other events to be substituted for the Tube Race. Since current students have not experienced the race, this year’s event will re-introduce the event in the hope that participation will grow in future years.
Art Haase, dean of the College of Technology, initiated the Tube Race 35 years ago with Herb Deigl, who was then a professor of laser technology. “My image of the Tube Race was for it to grow and to invite other universities to the event,” Haase said. He hoped that one day it would become an all-day event for college students and they would race in different divisions, such as a Greek race, culminating in the Tube Race finals featuring the best teams.
Taking Haase’s concept, the VU tradition grew rapidly under the direction of the Student Activities Office, becoming one of the biggest student participation races among Indiana colleges at the height of its popularity.
The public is invited to enjoy the competitive, fun-loving 35th Tube Race on Saturday, as well as many other Family and Alumni Weekend activities.
Family & Alumni Weekend Schedule
Friday, 9/14
6:00 PM - SGA and Alumni Dinner, Green Activities Center, call 812-888-4354 for reservations
9:00 PM - Residence Life Bingo, Student Union Food Court
Saturday, 9/15
8:00 AM - Farmer's Market, Riverfront Pavilion
10:00 AM - Chili Cook-Off begins
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Kari's Kreations Photo Booth, Patrick Henry Square
11:30 AM to 2:00 PM - Silhouettes by Kathryn, Patrick Henry Square
12:00 Noon - Tube Race, from Kimmell Park to the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
1:00 PM - Preston Pugmire Concert, Patrick Henry Square
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM - President's Reception, Grouseland; Essence of Worship Gospel Choir, dulcimer music, games and tours
8:00 PM - Craig Karges, the “Extraordinist,” Skelton Center, Tickets $8 adults $8, $5 non-VU students and seniors, VU students 3 free, VU employees 2 free with VU ID
Sunday, 9/16
10:30 AM - Worship Service Hosted by Christian Campus Fellowship, Maria Creek Chapel
