The Vashon Island Rowing Club (VIRC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer and will hold a party to mark the occasion.

The adult club, which rows out of Jensen Point Boathouse, will gather on July 31 to share memories and photos. VIRC is inviting all former and current rowers, coaches and friends to the evening picnic on the Burton Loop.

“We hope to see lots of old rowing friends at the gathering,” said Celia Congdon, who was one of the founders of the club.

The rowing club began in the summer of 1990, when a small group of women purchased a rowing shell and started the Vashon Women’s Rowing Club. They rowed out of the backyard of Marion and Ron Robbins, who lived on outer Quartermaster Harbor — the same spot where the party will be held Saturday, July 31.

After 10 years, the club — which became coed in 1992 — moved to the Jensen Point Boathouse. The boathouse, owned by Vashon Park District, was built after VIRC secured a grant in partnership with the park district to fund its construction in 1999.

“It is rewarding to witness the camaraderie, fitness and fun that our club provides for adult athletes, “ said current VIRC board president Dave Weller. “Plus, we are thrilled by the success of the junior rowing program.”

VIRC and Vashon Park District co-sponsor the Vashon Island Junior Crew program.

Join the party

Those who would like to attend this summer’s 20th anniversary gathering should email Congdon at crrbc@comcast.net to receive an invitation with details about the party.