'Thunder' rolls back onto Tholocco

By Russell Sellers, Army Flier StaffApril 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Boating and speed enthusiasts in the Wiregrass have an opportunity to see the worlds of water sports and drag racing collide at Lake Tholocco April 30.

The sixth annual Thunder on Tholocco returns to Fort Rucker from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at West Beach on Lake Tholocco.

"Thunder on Tholocco is a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping, multi-class outboard drag boat race," said Kimberly Abeln, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation annual events coordinator. "It's the kick-off to the Outboard Drag Boat Association's race season, and they love coming to Fort Rucker to initiate it."

The event is open to the public, she added. Advance tickets are $5 and are available at the leisure travel and outdoor recreation offices. Tickets at the gate are $7. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.

Families with children also have a variety of options available to them during the event, including open swimming from 10-11 a.m., giant games, inflatables, vendors, displays and more, said Abeln.

"It's a great way to spend a beautiful day in the great outdoors," she added. "West Beach offers one of the best views of Lake Tholocco, and it's a good way to explore what Fort Rucker and the outdoor recreation programs have to offer."

There will also be a variety of refreshments available from local and regional vendors including funnel cakes, bratwurst, quesadillas, snow cones, boiled peanuts, roasted corn, smoothies, lemonade and much more, she continued. However, glass containers are prohibited.

Ablen said the part she's most looking forward to is meeting veterans from the Rolling Thunder organization. There will be about two dozen members coming to this event, many on motorcycles.

"They are dedicated to Prisoners Of War/Missing in Action issues and I believe it is a great cause that many Fort Rucker Soldiers, retirees and their Families can identify with," she added.

For more information, call 255-1749.