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North Tonawanda: Pappas announces 2015 Thunder on the Niagara event at Gratwick Riverside Park

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Tue, Aug 4th 2015 04:20 pm

North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas announced at a press conference Tuesday that Snyder Industries will present the Thunder on the Niagara boat-racing event, which celebrates its 10th year at Gratwick Riverside Park this summer.

The event, that is considered "the fastest show on water," will take place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, along the Niagara River at Gratwick Riverside Park.

Snyder Industries will be the key sponsor for this year's event, while the Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association will partner with the American Canadian Hydroplane Association once again for this annual experience.

These organizations will have more than 90 racing boat teams participate. The hydroplanes are automotive high-performance boats that fly and thunder over the water at speeds up to 170 mph.

Representatives from the Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association and several other high-level North Tonawanda officials joined Pappas in announcing the attraction, which is largest free motor sport event in the area.

"This popular event has been drawing thousands of people to Gratwick Riverside Park since 2006," Pappas said. "This is a beautiful venue with access to the mighty Niagara River, and we are proud to be the host city for this annual family-fun summer event."

The NFBRA announced there would be additional food vendors, crafters and an expanded "kids zone" area on site. An addition to this year's event will be a live band, The Screaming Pineapples, who will play after the end of the race Saturday afternoon. 

The park will be open at 8 a.m. with the first race each day beginning at approximately 9 a.m. Parking will be available at Gratwick Riverside Park for a $10 donation that will include a race program. A portion of the proceeds of the parking fee will benefit Twin Cities Community Outreach.

Attendees are asked to enter the park using the Ward Road entrance.

Additional information can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Thunderontheniagara2015.

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