The organizer of the Southern Outlaw Dragboat Association’s first-ever Florala race, Jay Jackson, is hoping that inclement weather doesn’t affect the event this coming Saturday.
“We may lose some guys from out of state,” Jackson said. “Even with this, though, we expect a good turnout and a fun time.”
Typically, these races would draw participants from a multi-state area that stretches from Texas to Alabama.
With Hurricane Harvey moving toward Texas, some racers may opt not to travel the long distance.
The forecast is showing that it should stay clear for the event, though.
Lake Jackson will be closed to boating and swimming tomorrow, Sat., Aug. 26, to accommodate racers who will spend $200 per class to compete in the race that day.
Jackson said that a similar race has been run annually since 2007 at Ft. Rucker.
“We hope to have 30 to 40 boats,” he said. “Last time I thought that, though, we ended up with 70.”
There will also be an antique car drive-in at the lake on Saturday, and there will be a DJ at the amphitheater.
The Ft. Rucker event typically draws in 3,000 to 5,000 spectators, and city officials in Florala hope Saturday’s activities draw a crowd.
Jackson expects the event to run from 11 a.m. to about 4 p.m.
He also stressed the fact that the race is a family event, for all ages.