HIGHLANDS, NJ – The Highlands Business Partnership, OPA - Offshore Powerboat Association and Jersey Shore Boat Racing present Roar on the River from May 17th - 19th. The boats will arrive late Friday, May 17th and kick off the festivities Boaters Pre-Race Party will be at the Seafarer, 1 Atlantic St., from 7-9PM. Additional activities are available at Roar on the River Sponsor establishments; One Willow, Sandbox @ Seastreak and Off the Hook.
On Saturday, May 18th, from 11AM to 4PM, the “Pit” located at the Seastreak Overflow Lot, 348 Shore Drive (formerly Doris & Ed’s Restaurant), will be open to the public, where Race Fans can get autographs and photos with the drivers and view the boats. The festivities continue with a Boat Parade along Bay Avenue at 5:00PM sharp. The parade will start at Huddy Park, down Bay Avenue, turning around at the circle at Bahrs Landing Restaurant and head back down Bay Avenue to their designated establishment or return to the “Pit”. The Pit will not be open to the public on Saturday night however you can meet the racers and view their boats at Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox @ Seastreak, Off the Hook, Chilangos and Franny’s Pizzeria. There will be a pre-race party at Chilangos at 8pm.
The kickoff of the OPA Racing series takes place from 1-5pm, viewable from One Willow, 1 Willow St., Sandy Hook Bay Marina, 1 Willow St., Seafarer, 1 Atlantic Ave., Proving Ground, 56 Shrewsbury Ave., Off the Hook, 1 Navesink Ave. and at the HBP Raceday Party at Veterans Park. VIP seating is available at One Willow, Sandy Hook Bay Marina, Seafarer, Proving Ground, and Sandbox at Seastreak for an additional fee. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in advance at highlandsnj.com. “We are extremely excited, and proud, to be coming to Highlands. The OPA Racing series kicks off here in New Jersey, where OPA Racing was born.” said OPA Racing’s Sr Vice President Nick Smith. He continued “Racing in Highlands as a brand-new venue and racecourse is particularly exciting. We look forward to meeting a new fan base at the Jersey Shore.”
Connie Cottrell, former local female Jersey Speed Skiff driver and inaugural 1971 Highlands Regatta Race winner, originally of Highlands, will be in attendance with her family. As President of the Jersey Flat Bottoms, a local Jersey Speed Skiff and Ski Racing Runabout Club, Connie was responsible for organizing the first APBA sanction Regatta for Highlands. Connie’s original race winning Jersey Speed Skiff “The Egg Beater”, built by her late husband, Rob Cottrell, and now owned by their grandson, Rob Armstrong will be on display for those attending the HBP Raceday Party at Veterans Park on Sunday, May 19th.
The Winner’s Circle will be at One Willow Restaurant, immediately following each race, with the winners of each race going to One Willow to celebrate with their fans in Highlands. The Award Ceremony takes place promptly at Proving Ground at 7pm followed by a post-race party.
Tickets to VIP locations, where you can get an up-close view of this action-packed event are available at highlandsnj.com.
This event brought to you by Offshore Power Boat Association, Jersey Shore Boat Racing, the Highlands Business Partnership, and its generous sponsors; Pacifico, the Official Beer Sponsor of Roar on the River, Surfside Iced Tea, Proving Ground, Seafarer/Marina on the Bay, Sandbox @Seastreak, Sandy Hook Bay Marina, One Willow, Off the Hook and Chilangos. For more information email [email protected] or call 732-291-4713.
