GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Boats took to the Rogue River during the Tom Rice Memorial Boat Race at Boatnik Monday.
Before the big event, the Cal-Ore River Racers were darting up and down the river, practicing and warming up their engines.
Introductions for the racers and their whitewater hydroplanes began at 1 p.m.
Fifteen minutes later, after the green flag waved, all participants rushed to start their engines and race their boats around the river for two laps.
“It’s an event obviously deep in our history. It’s been a big part of us for a long time how it’s grown and the competitive nature,” said James Thompson from Grants Pass Active Club. “We love that they start at Riverside Park and they end at Riverside Park. So once again, people that come to Boatnik, a little bit of everything for everybody.”
The race followed a ceremony for Memorial Day honoring veterans.
According to Boatnik organizers, it is the largest memorial service in Southern Oregon.
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