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Riverfront Roar kicks off with live music

Sunset Roosters opens the first night of the Marietta Riverfront Roar Friday in the Lafayette Hotel parking lot overlooking the Ohio River. (Photo by Janelle Patterson)

MARIETTA — Kicking off with live music, vendors on the streets and boats on display, Riverfront Roar is fixing to be a party this year.

“We’ve got music covered by Kassel and there’s a bunch of boats still coming in later tonight out of Florida, Texas, Michigan… people really come from all over for this event,” said Barry Mullen, logistics coordinator for the festival, on Friday. “I know these vendors well from year to year and they all say they come and bring their kids because they love Marietta. Plus, it’s a free event, you don’t have to spend a nickel to have a good time and talk with drivers and see the boats.”

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

Tom Wein, 64, of Lockport, N.Y., said coming to Marietta was something he looked forward to this year.

“Our driver is from Atlanta, Ga., so we’re a diverse group,” said the crew chief for the Nelson Racing Team. “This is our second year here racing the 45 SST Class, and we’re looking forward to good weather, a competitive field and the town really puts on a good welcome for the racers.”

Deana Clark, executive director of the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, was jumpy with excitement for her first experience of the annual event.

“Marietta just has so much to offer that other towns don’t. This is just one of the many attractions and events I’m definitely looking forward to experiencing firsthand,” she said. “Part of my family is here too and we’re looking forward to the music tonight and really to the races tomorrow. You hear so much about it and how it feels. I just want to feel it myself.”

Wein said it’s that feeling that he still loves, now that he’s not racing, but part of a team.

“I came from a town that had a lot of racing and I was always fascinated by speed on the water,” he said. “It’s good to be back again, now supporting our driver Jason Nelson.”

The races kick off at 1 p.m. today with final races from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For Joe Tewkesbury, of Marietta, watching another river race is a can’t miss.

“We did well at nationals, now it is time to watch a different kind of race,” said the Marietta High School women’s crew coach. “I just love being out on that water.”

“And don’t forget the car show, I have a really good feeling about that one this year,” pointed out Mullen. “Last year we had 132 cars participate. This Sunday my number is between 150 and 200, I feel good about that number.”

The car show opens at 9 a.m. Sunday and will run through 3 p.m.

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