LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — The Mountain Lake Community Association celebrated its 99th Annual Community Day Boat Race with a mix of spirited competition, lighthearted antics, and strong community pride.
Participants hit the water in kayaks, canoes, pedalboats and skiffs as hundreds of spectators lined the shoreline to cheer them on.
The Ostock and Butterfield families entered with a decorated pedalboat and homemade kayak, while the Geiger family turned heads with their canoe — and some hand-powered paddling from Colin and Riven. Other competitors included kayakers Hunter Webb, Justin Somers, Natalee Rush and Buffy Harrison, along with Brinley Napolitano in an aluminum skiff powered by an electric motor.
Race officials noted playful tactics on the water, including reports of a kayaker wielding a water gun, but ruled that no excessive cheating occurred.
Somers claimed the overall win and a gift basket from The Sub Shack in Hackettstown. Rush secured first place in the junior division, earning passes to Land of Make Believe in Hope. Webb finished second overall and won a rod and reel courtesy of Warren County Bass Anglers.
In a crowd-pleasing finale, the Geiger family outmaneuvered longtime local favorite Harrison at the finish line — a moment that quickly gained attention after being featured on ESPN.
Napolitano took second in the junior division and won the electric boat category, while Stacy and Janice Butterfield earned multiple awards, including best decorated, best dressed and last place.
Organizers thanked competitors, donors and the “thousands” of residents who turned out, calling the event a testament to the community’s spirit and its connection to the lake.
