FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 25, 2013) -- With speeds reaching in excess of 100 mph, Thunder on Tholocco promises to excite.
The multi-class boat race returns to West Beach at Lake Tholocco April 27 and promises to bring entertainment for everyone, young and old, and is sure to get the blood pumping during the drag boat race event, according to Kimberly Abeln, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation annual events coordinator.
"Thunder on Tholocco is a multi-boat, outboard drag boat race, and two boats usually go head-to-head on a linear race track on the Lake," she said. "This is our seventh time having the race and we're really excited to have this event come back to Fort Rucker."
The gate will open at 9 a.m., and the races will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the gate, and the event is open to the public. Children 12 and younger get in free.
These high-performance boats last graced Lake Tholocco's waters in 2011 when seven different classes of boats took to the water. The same seven classes are expected to participate this year. The different classes are river racers, unlimited, pro-mod, bass and skeet,V-6, pro-max bass and skeet, and pro-drag.
"I don't really know much about boats, but what I do know is that they're all really fast and really fun to watch," said Abeln.
In addition to the boat race, there will be other activities that people can take part in between the racing, including wakeboard demonstrations by H2 Watersports.
"They're going to go out on the water with a boat that creates a pretty big wake, and they will do all their wake boarding tricks for people to watch -- it's really exciting," said the events coordinator.
There will also be paddle boats in the swimming enclosure for children that are watching the races to help release a lot of that nervous energy and excitement from watching the boats fly across the water, said Abeln.
Families and friends can also participate in kayak and canoe races to test their speed on the waters of Tholocco, as well.
Although swimming won't be permitted during the race due to safety issues, there will be a way for people to get wet and stay cool in case the weather heats up.
"We will have an inflatable slip-and-slide out there since people won't be able to swim," said Abeln. "It gets a little warm out there toward the end of April, so if people want to get wet to cool off, that will be available to them."
People are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs to sit and watch the races, and food vendors will be on-hand to sate any appetites that arise from all the excitement, she said.
In order to keep the beach area and waters safe for everyone, Abeln reminds people that glass containers are not permitted on the lake, and pets are not allowed on the beach. Pets are allowed on the grassy areas as long as they adhere to Fort Rucker's veterinary standards, she added.
"It's going to be a great day and it's a lot of fun," said Abeln. "Not only is it great for Families, but it's a good time for single Soldiers as well, so bring your buddies and come out for some amazing races."
For tickets, call 255-1749.
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