River Roar 2013 Enters Record Books
June 24, 2013
By: Stephen Kent
River Roar 2013, the 26th year for the event, is in the record books now. The racing was equal to the excitement of prior years. Drivers always comment that Bay City offers one of their most exciting races due to the seawalls on either side of the course that reflect and enhance the chop.
This year offered a number of new features. Perhaps the best was free admission to both sides of the river, which probably helped the large crowds. As always, spectators could get right on the river's edge, which makes for exciting viewing.
The usual carnival was set up on the West side in Veteran's Memorial park. The Saturday Night concert was also performed in that park. The east side offered food tents and beverages as well as free music provided by several local bands and Ala Carte, the area arts organization.
At most events you find emergency medical services with ambulances stationed around the parks. This year McLaren Health has deployed teams of uniformed EMS techs on bicycles equipped with their essential equipment. Ambulance service is still available, but most situations can be handled on the spot by these teams.
Hot carnival food is always a treat when you're on the water or at an event like River Roar. This year was an extra treat for beer lovers with the "Brews By The Banks" beer tasting tents. It gave folks a chance to try samples of a number of micro brews and other fun flavors in a great setting.
Colors are paraded by the stands during opening ceremonies |
McLaren Health System EMS techs on bikes are a new feature of this year's events in Bay City. |
Fresh, handmade lemonade was a treat on a very warm day |
Nachos are one of many treats in the foot tents. |
Brews By The Banks beer tasting goes over well with the other food vendor offerings. |
Spectators get an up close look as a race starts |
bleachers on the West Side offer front row. |
The pack of boats viewed from the East Side. |
Some people get the best view. |
Nothing but the spray as boat speeds by at 100+ mph. |
Rescue swimmers wait at strategic places around course |
When trouble strikes the rescue swimmers are on the spot. |
The Toyz provide free, live music concert from the band shell |
Kids love the noise and speed |
View from behind the band shell |
Guitarist tunes up before going on stage with the Toyz. |