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 Here is a look at the grounds where spectators can view the Carolina Cup Regatta being held on Roanoke Rapids Lake this weekend. Contributed Photo | Daily Herald |
Many of the racers will bring their boats to Logan’s Roadhouse tonight, where the public can get a sneak preview of these hydroplanes.
This is the first time in 40 years there has been sanctioned boat racing on Roanoke Rapids Lake. Outlaw said races begin around noon Saturday and Sunday and run until around 5 p.m. both days. Spectators can see the event from the Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use area on Oakwood Avenue. The Day Use area will open at 11 a.m.
Christina Gordan, eco-heritage tourism manager for the event sponsor Halifax County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said, “The spectator area for the race will be in Roanoke Rapids Lake Park and viewing the race is free to the public. The primary parking area will be at Belmont Elementary School on Bolling Road, as directed by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, with complimentary shuttle service running from the school to the park.”
“We will not be closing down any roads other than the end of Oakwood,” said Deputy Police Chief Adam Bondarek. “There will be officers to direct traffic and all they have to do is come down 5th Street and we’ll tell them where they need to go.”
Gordon said spectators can also view the race from their own boats on the lake as long as the required distance from the marked race course is maintained. North Carolina Wildlife officers and other volunteers will enforce the safety area for the race course.
Also she said vendors will be on site serving hot dogs, hamburgers, snowcones and drinks. You can bring lawn chairs or blankets to the event and coolers are welcome, just no alcohol.
For your comfort, portable toilets will be on site in addition to the park restrooms.
The Roanoke Rapids Hydro Power Race is sponsored by the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dr. Thomas Fleming DDS, PA, Eagle Home Medical Corp., Piedmont Natural Gas, Gaston Hardware, Joan’s Hair Gallery, Melody’s Hair Cuts, Northeastern Safety Supply, Rusty’s Alignment Service, Watson Eye Associates. In-kind support has been given to the race by C.D. Williams, Comfort Suites, Fred’s Boats Sales & Service, Gotta-Go Portajons, Hampton Inn, Logan’s Roadhouse, Sleep Inn, The UPS Store and Wal-Mart.
The Carolina Cup Regatta is a nonprofit corporation to promote boating safety through a variety of activities and educational programs in Northeastern North Carolina: To encourage an interest in powerboat racing, develop good sportsmanship, provide enjoyable competition, promote safe family fun and to demonstrate boating safety by promoting powerboat racing in North Carolina. The regatta is a member of the American Power Boat Association.
From the Roanoke Rapids Police Department:
• Camping-type chairs and coolers are permitted, coolers will be checked, as this is an alcohol-free event.
• Spectators are reminded to stay hydrated due to the potential heat and humidity.
• Parking will be available first at Belmont Elementary School, then off of Oakwood Ave., this only after Belmont is full.
• As always, safety is the priority. Be mindful of your surroundings and please leave with what you brought in to the event.
• No pets of any kind allowed.
• No weapons concealed or otherwise.
Note: If you have any questions contact Deputy Police Chief Adam Bondarek at (252) 533-2810.
Advisory from N.C. Wildlife on the 5th Street Wildlife Access area:
• Will be open and used for launching and recovery of boats only. You cannot watch the race from this area and you cannot park there.
• If you are putting your boat in Roanoke Rapids Lake or riding on a boat on Roanoke Rapids Lake you can park your vehicle and trailer at the ramp.
• Parking is limited to designated parking areas in designated parking spaces.
• Any vehicle or trailer blocking access to parking or use of the road into or out of the ramp, blocking the access area or impeding the use of any area at the Wildlife ramp, will be towed and the operator will be prosecuted.
Regarding the lake and race event:
• Wildlife officers will be patrolling the lake and enforcing all North Carolina boating laws.
• In the area of the race all boat traffic is to be at “no wake” travel during heats.
• All spectator boats will be required to remain at least 300 feet away from the race course as designated by marker boats, marker buoys or race event staff.
• The area designated for the fleet of spectator boats is the west end and north side of the race course.
• No spectator boats will be allowed to view the race from the south side of the race course, or enter the waters between the south side of the race course and the Roanoke Rapids Day Use Park or swimming area, or Roanoke Rapids Dam.
• No spectator boats will be allowed to approach within 200 yards of the Roanoke Rapids Dam on the north or east side of the race course.
• No spectators will be allowed in the “hot pit” where the race boats are launched and recovered.
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