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Organizers pleased by turnout at annual Riverfront Roar

Two power boats race in a heat Saturday in Marietta during the Riverfront Roar. (Photo by Jeffrey Saulton)

MARIETTA — For 18 years the sound of power boats on the Ohio River has come to mean one thing and one thing only, the return of the Riverfront Roar.

On Saturday the first full day of the annual event, organizers said while they had no exact count they were happy with the number of people they saw lining the river and out on the streets of downtown Marietta.

Jim Hoblick, a committee member, said from the looks of the crowd along the river alone, it looked like they had more out than last year.

“Last night, the kickoff and our entertainment were very well received and the weather was cooperative,” he said.

Hoblick said Saturday’s race was the debut of the smaller speedboats at the Riverfront Roar.

Making adjustments to their power boat were, from left, Dave Deck, Eric Wienczak, driver, and Dave Wienczak. (Photo by Jeffrey Saulton)

Sandy Hoblick said that debut had only five races.

“It’s new and they were brought in to encourage the crowd,” Jim Hoblick said. “They really like to come to Marietta, it’s the racers’ favorite venue.”

Hoblick said they like the crowd, the access is easier and they get close to the fans at Marietta’s event.

Riverfront Roar is an American Power Boat Association sanctioned Powerboat Superleague race, which draws more than 40,000 spectators over the three-day weekend.

Final races are set for1-4 p.m. today. There will also be a car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Armory on Front Street.

One of the speedboats, a class that made it debut at the Riverfront Roar this year, makes a turn in the course on the Ohio River on Saturday. (Photo by Jeffrey Saulton)

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Today’s Schedule:

* 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Car Show at the Armory

* 10 a.m.: Beer Garden Opens; Powerboats on the Ohio River

* Noon: VFW & Marine Corps League – Opening Ceremonies

Passing the time blowing bubbles was Rex Levan, of Marietta, attending his first Riverfront Roar on Saturday. (Photo by Jeffrey Saulton)

* 1-4 p.m.: Final Races

* 4:30 p.m.: Trophies Awarded

Kyleigh Stevens gets help with pull-ups from Terri Hallowell, both from Marietta, at the U.S. Marine Corps exhibit as Ethan Morris, watches. (Photo by Jeffrey Saulton)

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