By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — What started as a simple boat race has become over six decades of weekends worth of activities that
make Roar on the River a must-see event.
The 2014 PNC Road on the River at Elizabeth Park kicks off Friday, July 18 at 6 p.m. with “A Taste of the Races.” The public is welcome to watch the time trials on the river or attend the ticketed ($25) “Taste” The event — this year’s theme is “Pirate Night” — combines samplings from more than 30 local restaurants with entertainment from Passport to Nowhere and Fifty Amp Fuse.
Races remain the headline attraction for the Roar, which began more than 60 years ago as a single day’s event hosted by the Lion’s Club. Now organized by the Rotary Club of Trenton and sponsored by PNC Bank, with participation from Wayne County Parks and the City of Trenton, the event attracts about 30,000 visitors.
After Friday’s Taste and music, world-class power boat racing takes over the Detroit River Saturday and Sunday.
Time trials begin early Saturday morning and run through the weekend before Sunday’s finals.
The Roar races include SST 200 and SST 45 APBA World Championship trials, as well as Junior Hydro three-lap
races.
Along with the sanctioned races, visitors can enjoy Typhoon Tommy Jet Ski shows, stock outboard marathons and a host of family activities, inflatables and children’s fair.
For more information visit www.trentonroarontheriver.com.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)