It is being billed as a "Big Boyz with Power Toyz" event, but expect to see some female presence at next weekend's "Thunder on the Creek" power boat races and motorcycle poker run.
The daylong event at Alum Creek State Park is Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"We looked at this event as a way to bring economic stimulus to the county," said event spokesperson Kelley Bell-Wenzlaff, who appeared at the county commissioners' meeting on Sept. 8.
The hydroplane power boat exhibition is sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association, as well as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The boating activity, poker run start and all exhibits, concessions and entertainment will be at the north beach area of Alum Creek, she said.
Admission is free.
"I think that we have the opportunity of bringing several thousand people to Alum Creek," said commission president Tommy Thompson. "These are professional boat racers and should draw people from all over the state ... I know it's the day the (Delaware County) fair starts but not everybody goes on opening day.
"It is a way to highlight one of the great recreational resources of Delaware County," he said.
The boat races, which begin after noon, will include a variety of race boats including vintage and current hydroplanes, Bell-Wenzlaff said.
Registration for the motorcycle poker run will begin at 9 a.m. and cost $20 for a single rider and $35 for double riders. The last cycle will leave at noon with four stops at Veteran of Foreign War posts planned on the 70-mile circuit, said Jewett Racer of the Legion Riders out of Prospect, Ohio. Sponsors of the poker run are the Sunbury VFW Post 8736 and the American Legion Post 368 in Prospect.
Money raised from the poker run will go to The Mid Ohio Marine Foundation and the Legion Riders, which supports multiple charities.
The Mid Ohio Marine Foundation was formed in 2005 by former U.S. Marines. It provides financial and moral assistance to Marines and Navy corpsmen of Lima Company, the Marine Corps Reserve unit that suffered heavy casualties in Iraq, plus other Ohio Marines and former Marines.
A poker run is a charity event similar to a 5K race, except it's done on a motorcycle, said Darris Blackford, marketing director at A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson dealership in Sunbury.
The riders draw a hand of playing cards and prizes are awarded for the best hand.
The dealership is pleased to be one of the event sponsors, Blackford said, especially because the money raised will go to the Marines Corps' Lima Company.
Thompson, an avid motorcycle rider, expects many local motorcycle associations to participate.
"One thing people fail to remember is these associations do a lot for the community and participate in a lot of charitable activities. ... Sometimes these biker groups get a bad name because of the action of others. I see this as a positive thing for them and the county," he said.
Thompson said he and his son might participate in the event.
"We saw this as a great opportunity to partner with local charities and provide central Ohio with yet another exciting and unique event," said Mike Hicks, director of Thunder on the Creek.
"Delaware County is going to be exceptionally electrifying during the second half of September," he said.
For more information, call Andrew McNulty at (614) 338-9310 or (614) 262-5540 or e-mail him at Andrewmcnulty@gmail.com