In its 27th year, the Head of the Rock Regatta is scheduled for 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 14, in Rockford. The event is organized by the Rockford YMCA’s Rock River Valley Rowing Club and sanctioned by U.S. Rowing, a nonprofit membership organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States. Last year, 2,000 competitors in 605 boats, representing 58 clubs, schools, colleges and universities (including many from the Big Ten Conference) from 13 states and two countries, participated in the event. Competition is on the picturesque Rock River. The course is along a 2.75-mile course beginning at Martin Park, with the Finish Line at the YMCA Log Lodge in Rockford. For additional information, contact Jane Johnson at (815) 489-1210 or visit www.rockfordymca.org. (Photo courtesy of Head of the Rock Regatta’s Facebook page)