RiverRoar 2002!

Bay City's riverfront site of 15th annual race.

July 1, 2002
By: Stephen Kent

The weekend of June 22 came alive with the roar of Formula 1 power boats in the 15th "River Roar" on the Saginaw River in downtown Bay City. The annual event, this year sponsored by Dobson Heavy Haul, is one of the high points of a very busy summer in Bay City's riverfront parks. Thousands showed up to enjoy the event and beautiful weather.

Bay City's river front provides some of the best spectator access found on the race circuit. The course between Liberty and Veteran's Memorial bridges is lined on both shores with wide sidewalks and railings right on the waters edge. Boats hurtle past within mere yards of the crowd.

Admission to the West side of the river is only $5.00 which puts the race within everyone's reach. The West side includes numerous food vendors, a carnival with rides, close viewing of the race pits, and bleachers which give a high vantage point. The East side and Wenona Park, is reserved for the VIP tents with admission of $60. Again, there's plenty of food and close access to the river.

Riverfront business establishments such as Hooters and The Lantern are popular viewing locations as well, with obvious added benefits. The evenings of race weekend arejust as much fun as the races themselves with the carnival rides and the nearby Westside entertainment district.

Bay City's riverfront is always the place to be in the summer. The next major event after River Roar is the grand Fourth of Julyfireworks festival.See you all there!