The Ile Camera
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Restoring the roar
PUBLISHED: June 20, 2008
Downriver's longest-running outdoor spectator event is making waves once again.
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With a new title partner in tow and the addition of two free evening concerts, the "National City" Roar on the River is set to bring record crowds to Elizabeth Park in Trenton when it makes its 58th run July 18 through 20.
Couple that news with the return of the Chrysler Roar over the River Fireworks; the Classic Car Show, sponsored by Gorno Ford; and the Typhoon Tommy Jet-Ski stunt show, and it quickly becomes apparent that this year's Roar is destined to be the most action-packed to date.
"We're extremely excited about our new affiliation with National City as the title partner," said Paul Jocks, co-chairman of this year's event for the Trenton Rotary Club, which will continue to serve as the organizer.
"National City has been actively involved in this event as a sponsor and provider of volunteers for several years, so it's especially rewarding to see them want to take their commitment to this high level."
Joining the National City Roar on the River team this year is WYCD, 99.5 FM, which is presenting the Friday and Saturday night concerts in conjunction with National City and Trenton Rotary.
Friday night's headliner will be local favorite 50 Amp Fuse. Saturday night's show will feature up-and-coming national performer Lee Brice, with a featured opening act appearance by Monroe's Hunter Brucks, a performer and promoter who was a key player in planning the first-time event.
The major additions have necessitated some other changes to the Roar's format.
One big change is the move of the Classic Car Show from Saturday to Sunday. The fourth-annual event expects up to 200 competitors/ exhibitors and welcomes the return of Gorno Ford as title partner for the third consecutive year.
The changes also will allow for the expansion of "Taste of the Races," the taste-fest-style event that serves as a kickoff party Friday night.
Last year, the event maxed out with 35 participating restaurants. In recent years, the restaurants have shared a tent with a band and a dance floor. With the Friday and Saturday concerts being held down by the riverfront in a configuration similar to that used for the annual Jazz on the River each August, the space formerly used by the band and dance floor under the tent will be used for additional restaurants.
"We're targeting a total of 40 restaurants," Jocks said. "That will still allow us to spread out the floor plan a little and give people more room to move around."
For the second straight year, The Chrysler Foundation will join the Roar team as sponsor of the Saturday Fireworks Show, which will get under way about 45 minutes later this year, right after Brice finishes performing at about 10:45 p.m.
The weekend of outboard hydroplane racing will include a world championship in the 45 SST class and a state championship event in the 120 SST class.
Typhoon Tommy's daredevil crew will perform during Taste of the Races and at various times throughout the racing days Saturday and Sunday.
Typhoon Tommy, aka Downriver's own Tommy Nuttall, travels worldwide to thrill crowds with a wide range of exciting Jet-Ski stunts.
Advance tickets to Taste of the Races are $40, and are $45 on the day of the event. Last year, nearly 1,000 visitors were on hand for the event, which was added to the Roar on the River weekend in 2001.
The Taste will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and will be followed immediately by the performance of 50 Amp Fuse. The concert is free.
Throughout the weekend, admission to the races and the concerts is free. A $5 donation is requested for parking inside the park on Saturday and Sunday. Free shuttles will run from nearby locations to facilitate parking.
- HPR Media Services
2008 National City Roar on the River
Elizabeth Park
Trenton
Friday, July 18
6:30-9 p.m. — Taste of the Races
9-11 p.m. — Free concert open to the public with 50 Amp Fuse
Saturday, July 19
7 a.m.- 6 p.m. — Boy Scout pancake breakfast, hydroplane racing preliminary heats (five racing classes), Typhoon Tommy, Children's Fun Fair
7 p.m. — Free concert open to the public with Hunter Brucks, Lee Brice
10:45 p.m. — The Chrysler Foundation Fireworks Show
Sunday, July 20
7 a.m.-5 p.m. — Boy Scout pancake breakfast, hydroplane racing finals (five racing classes), Typhoon Tommy, Children's Fun Fair
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Classic Car Show sponsored by Gorno Ford
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