Black, red and white cotton Darwin Beer Can Regatta baseball cap

Date2008

Object number00047303

NameCap

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 121 x 212 x 263 mm, 50.98 g

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Gift from Darwin Lions Beer Regatta Association Inc

Terms

DescriptionThe Darwin Beer Can Regatta is an annual charity event held at Mindil Beach, Darwin. Merchanising in the form of official programs, baseball caps and shirts are produced as souviners of the event. These baseball caps originally made in 2006 were sold at regattas between 2006-2008.HistoryThe Darwin Beer Can Regatta is an annual charity event held at Mindil Beach, Darwin. The inaugural event was held in 1974 and organised by Lutz Frankenfeld. Darwin was devastated by Cyclone Tracy in December 1974 and faced a massive program of reconstruction and community rebuilding. To assist with this effort an influx of personnel arrived from the southern states. This new workforce was faced with unaccustomed humidity and challenging working and living conditions. There was a reported dramatic increase in the consumption of beer and littering of beer cans. In the absence of a recycling program the Beer Can Regatta was an aid in the clean up process as well as a way to rebuild the community. The success of the inaugural regatta in 1974 ensured it became an annual event. In the mid to late 1970s the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin became the regatta organising body and now the event is known as the Darwin Lions Clubs Beer Can Regatta.SignificanceThese souvenirs reflect the trend in merchandising associated with major community and sporting events in Australia. They are mass produced items made in China that can be customised for a particular event by adding a logo as required.