Downriver's Weekend Party Roars Into Trenton

The three-day party known as the PNC Roar on the River returns to Trenton’s July 22-24.

One of Downriver’s most exciting events, the 61st annual Roar features two days of powerboat racing, fireworks, live concerts, a taste fest and other special events that attract thousands of participants.

The central attraction is the boat racing as five APBA-sanctioned outboard powerboat classes will race on the Detroit River – some at speeds close to 120 miles per hour. The weekend will include the world championships of the SST 45 and SST 120 classes, which will feature many of the nation’s top drivers.

Testing for the SST 45 and 120 outboard powerboat classes is set for 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, followed by the Typhoon Tommy Jet Ski stunt show.

The outboard powerboat races and stunt shows are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The final day of racing will determine the UIM world championships in the SST 45 and 120 classes.

The weekend kickoff party, known as “A Taste of the Races,” is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday. A key component of the weekend for a decade, the event will feature 31 of the area’s best-known restaurants and caterers with visitors sampling a wide assortment of American, ethnic and specialty foods taste-fest style, according to party coordinator Ronnie Jacek.

Advance tickets for the Taste of the Races are $35. Discount tickets at $30 each are available in blocks of 10 in advance at Trenton City Hall, 2800 Third Street; Jocks & Associates, 3630 West Road; The Rehab Connection, 2861 West Road; and Mans Lumber, 3300 West Jefferson. Admission will be $40 “at the door” if tickets are still available.

Free concerts are set for Friday and Saturday.

Saturday and Sunday hold a singing competition called where people young and old can compete to be a singing sensation with the top prize being an iPod Nano.

Fireworks, sponsored by Emagine Theatre, will draw a crowd at dusk Saturday. Last year’s fireworks show and some other events were cancelled by a storm with high winds and heavy rains that hit Friday night. Naturally, organizers are hoping for great weather all weekend long.

The entrance to Elizabeth Park is located on West Jefferson, three blocks south of West Road.

The nonprofit event is organized by members of the Rotary Club of Trenton as a local community service project. Any surplus funds raised during the event are used to support Rotary’s charitable projects throughout the year.

For more information and schedule updates, visit www.trentonroarontheriver.com.