And the race is on… RiverFest continues
Published 5:19 pm Saturday, May 4, 2019
- Formula One boats line up for Heat No. 1 during Thunder on the Neches power boat races at Port Neches RiverFest in 2019.
PORT NECHES — There may have been thunder and storms in the middle of the night but the skies cleared up and the thunder was on the Neches on Saturday.
Thunder on the Neches power boat races went off as scheduled with fans lining up along the waters edge and in Port Neches Riverfront Park to catch the action during RiverFest.
Avery Harmon, 3, left, speaks with Ariel during Port Neches RiverFest on Saturday.
Mary Meaux/The News
Some of the fans were new to the event such as Robert and Melinda Dominguez. The Dallas area couple, who have been married 47 years, are in the area for work and Robert attends the Grand Prix IndyCar races in Long Beach, California so seeing the Formula One races on the water was exciting, he said.
It seems there is something for everyone at the festival. Breah Roberts brought along her daughter Hadley and their dog Gus. The family lives “super close” to the festival grounds and she enjoys being so close to the event.
Over at the pavilion 3-year-old Avery Harmon was smiling from ear to ear as she got to talk and sing with “Ariel” one of the Disney princesses. Avery’s mom Miranda Harmon said her daughter’s eye began to sparkle as soon as she saw Ariel.
The No. 62 boat leads the pack during Heat 1 during Thunder on the Neches power boat races at Port Neches RiverFest on Saturday.
Mary Meaux/The News
David and Penny Ross’s two dogs sat in the shade of the pavilion as their owners had a snack and watched the boat races. Penn said her favorite part of RiverFest is the food while David said his favorite is the races.
The event continues on Sunday.
Sunday, May 5
- 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. — S.P.O.R.T boat racing
- 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Entertainment complex open
- 11 a.m. — S.P.O.R.T opening ceremonies, race stage (National Anthem)
- Noon – 1 p.m. — Bow-Tie Entertainment, pavilion. Music, trivia and prizes
- 11 a. m. – 6 p.m. — Vendors open
- Noon – dark — Wagner Carnival open
- Noon – until — Horseshoe Tournament, entertainment complex
- 1 – 3 p.m. — The 2019 Miss Port Neches Pageant winners announced, pavilion
- 1:30 – 2 p. m. — The 2019 Mother of the Year announced, pavilion
- 2 – 3:30 p.m. — Pet Show, pavilion
- 3 p.m. – until — Washer Board Shoot-out, entertainment complex
- 3:30 – 4 p.m. — Bow-Tie Entertainment, pavilion
- 4 p.m. — Boat Race awards ceremonies, race stage
