By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A rowing regatta that has been held in Philadelphia for 59 consecutive years takes place once again this weekend, along the Schuylkill River.  Road closures are already in effect.

The Aberdeen “Dad Vail” Regatta takes place on Saturday.  Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park has been closed between the Strawberry Mansion Bridge and Fountain Green Drive since late morning.

Bob Morro, secretary of the regatta, says this year’s event is the largest to date.

“We are going to have over 127 colleges and universities from all over the US and Canada,” he says.  “And we will have, I believe, somewhere in the neighborhood of 560 racing shells and I think 3,800 athletes.”

If you don’t have an official regatta parking pass, you won’t be allowed on Kelly Drive until dusk on Saturday. For spectators and others, shuttle buses will be available from the parking areas.