Harvard University police officer Terence A. Johns, who was stationed at the Weld Boathouse door, said. "It looks like most people are having a good time."

"It's been fairly peaceful," Johns said. "I am amazed."

Rocky Ficara, a magic performer from New York City, has been working at the Head of the Charles for 10 years.

"It's a great day for it," said Ficara, pulling a small red handkerchief out of thin air.

Jim P. McMullen of Waylend has been coming to the regatta for 12 years with friends to have a barbecue, watch the races and watch football on a portable TV.

McMullen said that his group did not cheer for any particular team but was there to just enjoy the event.

Retailers did a brisk business selling lemonade, ice cream, sardines, calling cards and fruit juices, from the many tents and pushcarts lining Memorial Drive.

The large J. Crew tent featured Head of the Charles insignia sweat-shirts, ties, baseball caps and boxer shorts.

John E. Spirko, sales manager for J. Crew, said that this is the second year the company has sponsored the event and that they had three tents up selling merchandise