Breaking News
Community News

Ripples of excitement as Riverfront Roar wraps up in Marietta

By James Dobbs 4 min read

MARIETTA -- Marietta city streets were flooded with event-goers as the last day of Riverfront Roar unfolded.

Riverfront Roar exhibited a car show, boat races and attractions for all on Sunday.

At 8 a.m. the Rollin' Oldies Car Show kicked off. The show featured numerous Ford Mustangs, Chevy Chevelles, trucks and Volkswagens. Front Street was an array of colors and the amount of vehicles grew as the day went on.

Harry Moore, Rollin' Oldies Car Club member, said this car show has been going on for approximately 45 years. He said more people are willing to come and view the cars if the weather is nice.

"I'll tell you what makes the car show, is the weather," he said. "If you get good weather, like the nice day today, it makes a good show.

Moore said about 115 cars were registered to be shown.

"Any kind of car you like, you can find it here in nice shape," he said.

Neil Dowler, who has been restoring cars for about 40 years, came from Washington, W.Va. to participate in the event. Dowler brought an orange and cream colored 1956 Chevrolet Belair Hardtop to the show. He bought it in 2005 and started restoring it in 2009. He said he had one in high school and decided to find another one to build.

"It's a good hobby, because if you are using your hands, it keeps the body working," he said. "I just like old cars. I've had a lot of them."

Dowler usually comes to the Sternwheel Festival car show, but said this is his first year at this one. He said he enjoys car shows, because he can meet people with similar interests as his. Dowler said he has won awards at numerous car shows, but doesn't participate in them for the awards.

"My wife says that those trophies are just dust collectors," he said.

The Grand Prix of Ohio featured the American Powerboat Association F200 Central Divisional Championship and the APBA SST45/Formula Light Region 6 Championship between noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

David McMurray, driver for the Nashville Marine race team, said he decided to start a boat racing team seven years ago.

"We jumped in it feet first," he said.

McMurray said he has a boat dealership in Kentucky that sells pontoon and fishing boats. He said he has always had a passion for racing and has done motocross and drag racing in the past. He said they travel all over the United States to find races to compete in and this was his first time competing in races during Riverfront Roar.

"This is my first time, I like it," he said. "I'll be back"

McMurray said he likes it when he feels like the people appreciate him and get enjoyment out of his racing. On Saturday, he took seventh in one of the races and placed first in the last qualifier for Sunday.

Emily Carson, of Portsmouth, said she has been attending Riverfront Roar for 16 years. She said she comes for the fabulous races.

"We come with a couple of different race teams, so it's always fun to be here with the teams that you know personally," she said. "The whole festival is just a lot of fun. We love the venue, staying at the Lafayette (Hotel) and the music."

Greene Street offered activities for all ages and several different food vendor options like kettle corn, Kona Ice, carnival food and barbecue. It featured different inflatables, like a bounce castle and a foam pit. The Alexander Express drove around on the street and weaved through passer-by.

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com.

Starting at /week.