(KP 2016 File Photo)
Large crowds are expected to attend Riverbration at the Kittanning Riverfront Park this weekend.
The boat racing event is sanctioned by the American Powerboat Association and Three Rivers Outboard Racing. High powered racing boat. It is a regular sanctioned event. They compete for cash prizes. The event is held in cooperation with the Alle-Kiski Strong Chamber of Commerce and Kittanning Hose Company #1.
There are different classes that run at different speeds and different horse power.
Chamber Executive Director Lynda Pozzuto said that a driver’s school will be held this morning.
“If you are a person in the community and you want to get the opportunity to get behind one of those race boats, and actually go out on the river, that’s what the driver’s school is.
Pozzuto said there is an hour-long training session on land, and then the contestant would get three opportunities to be in the races, with the final one being “race the instructor.”
“I did it the first year and it is amazing. It is something you have to be pre-registered for because there is a limited number of seats.”
Pozutto said that between 6-8 tonight, there will be a “touch a truck” event.
“It’s for children or anyone who wants the opportunity to climb inside a fire truck, a police car, an ambulance, a rescue vehicle… so kids can get comfortable seeing those vehicles and not be afraid of them.”
The vehicles will be along South Water Street and the street will be closed during that time.
Racing on Saturday will be from 10AM until 5PM. There will also be several afternoon mini-events in the amphitheater while the races are being conducted. There will also be two bands performing Saturday night until 10PM in the amphitheater - “Shed” and “Rustic Revelation”.
Racing on Sunday begins at Noon. The Armstrong County Sheriff’s Department will also be holding their K-9 Kruize Aid car display along South Water Street and the street will be closed for that event. The event benefits the Sheriff’s K-9 police dog program.