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Regatta is like 'NASCAR on water'
09/01/2007, 9:40 pm
Families enjoy Powerboat Nationals on the river
By Scott Boehmer
sboehmer@daily-journal.com
815-937-3321
Kankakee's annual power boat races kicked off Saturday, and Naomi and Michael Iliff brought one of the event's youngest fans with them to see the show.
Michael Iliff has been attending the races for the seven years and his wife, for three -- as long as the couple has been together. This year the Kankakee couple brought their 10-year-old nephew with them and set up a crib for son, Nathaniel, whose first birthday will be Sept. 7.
"This is much better than NASCAR 'cause it's on water," Naomi Iliff said. "Three years ago he brought me out here -- it was the first time I ever saw power boat racing. I loved it; I thought it was the neatest thing."
Racing continues today and Monday. Viewing is available for $15 a carload at River Road Park and Kankakee Community College.
When the racing is done, the Boy Scouts of Bourbonnais' Troop 361 will be helping clean up the mess. This is the second year the Scouts have worked with the races, according to Gerry Sanstrom, one of the adults who came out with the group.
"(The Scouts get) a little entertainment, do a little community service, and make a little bit of money for the troop," Sanstrom said.
There's also another advantage, said Scout Patrick Archer, 12, of Bradley. By helping out, the troop gets in free to watch the races.
"The racing is fun, and there's a lot of stuff to do here like vendors and food," Patrick said.
Another popular activity Saturday was the annual cardboard boat races. Gary Warnick, of Paxton, was one of this year's participants. He came out Saturday with his son, girlfriend and her son.
In all, Warnick's group was crafting three cardboard boats in addition to watching the power boats.
Warnick said he is making a weekend of the races, camping out at the Kankakee River State Park. The highlight of the weekend, he says, "is getting done with the cardboard race so we can relax."
09/01/2007, 9:40 pm
Families enjoy Powerboat Nationals on the river
By Scott Boehmer
sboehmer@daily-journal.com
815-937-3321
Kankakee's annual power boat races kicked off Saturday, and Naomi and Michael Iliff brought one of the event's youngest fans with them to see the show.
Michael Iliff has been attending the races for the seven years and his wife, for three -- as long as the couple has been together. This year the Kankakee couple brought their 10-year-old nephew with them and set up a crib for son, Nathaniel, whose first birthday will be Sept. 7.
"This is much better than NASCAR 'cause it's on water," Naomi Iliff said. "Three years ago he brought me out here -- it was the first time I ever saw power boat racing. I loved it; I thought it was the neatest thing."
Racing continues today and Monday. Viewing is available for $15 a carload at River Road Park and Kankakee Community College.
When the racing is done, the Boy Scouts of Bourbonnais' Troop 361 will be helping clean up the mess. This is the second year the Scouts have worked with the races, according to Gerry Sanstrom, one of the adults who came out with the group.
"(The Scouts get) a little entertainment, do a little community service, and make a little bit of money for the troop," Sanstrom said.
There's also another advantage, said Scout Patrick Archer, 12, of Bradley. By helping out, the troop gets in free to watch the races.
"The racing is fun, and there's a lot of stuff to do here like vendors and food," Patrick said.
Another popular activity Saturday was the annual cardboard boat races. Gary Warnick, of Paxton, was one of this year's participants. He came out Saturday with his son, girlfriend and her son.
In all, Warnick's group was crafting three cardboard boats in addition to watching the power boats.
Warnick said he is making a weekend of the races, camping out at the Kankakee River State Park. The highlight of the weekend, he says, "is getting done with the cardboard race so we can relax."
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