LAURA JAMESON/L’EXPRESS Boat racers practice on the West Arm of the Susquehanna River Friday afternoon before the regatta.
LOCK HAVEN – It’s Labor Day weekend, and with it comes the continuation of the 51st Annual Regatta.
Dozens of boaters and racing enthusiasts came from all over to take part in the event along the West Fork of the Susquehanna River.
The four-day spectacle kicked off yesterday, with motorboats bobbing up and down the river – the sounds of their engines echoing downtown. Beyond the races, the event will feature musical entertainment, carnival rides and food, arts and crafts vendors, fireworks and more through Monday.
The opening ceremonies will begin this morning at 10 a.m. at the J Doyle Corman Amphitheater. This year, the Keystone Little League All-Star Juniors will be at the opening ceremony.
The annual Dash for the Cash will take place on Sunday around noon. This race will include new National Champion and former Dash winner Tim Sidor.
The American Powerboat Association and Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association will also host round five and the crown jewel of the 300SSH Northeast Challenge on Saturday.
This class is similar to the boats that race in the Dash for Cash that new pilots usually participate in. The engines are completely stock and the propellers are given to the pilots on race day so that all pilots have an equal chance of winning. .
Some of the fastest and loudest boats, 850cc Hydros and Runabouts, will participate. Both classes can run up to 90 mph. Unfortunately, the UK riders will not be present this year, but since the opening of the Canadian borders, Canadian riders are expected to be present.
Around 20 to 25 boat classes will participate with around 50 series of races on Saturday and Sunday.
Lock Haven is one of the few places where they have to hold elimination heats because there are a large number of drivers registered for a class.
Expect to see full or nearly full fields in seven to eight classes, organizers said.
The Rock of Ages Reunion (ROAR) will be the last to be entertained Monday at 5 p.m. with a four-band reunion led by local resident Steve Linn.
The other members will come together from different states to perform:
• Entertainment presented by Schlesinger Communications WSQV/WBPZ; WBLF & QWiK Rock Radio from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday will feature The Last Rebels; Cass and the rescue team; Troy Amur; Raise Kane and Quarterstick.
• Entertainment presented by Bear Country WQBR Radio from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday will feature Private Stock Trio; Clark McLane Band; cookie jam; Shotgun ; Echo and sway; and Kopper and Kash.
• Monday’s live music presented by the Lock Haven Area Jaycees will feature Trip the Light Party Band at noon and Rock of Ages Reunion.
A fireworks display will take place at 10 p.m. Sunday evening, with a rain date at 9 p.m. Monday.
The rides will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.
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