DEMOPOLIS-The “Rumble” is finally coming back to the River City. The Outboard Drag Boat Association (ODBA) is coming back to Demopolis this year for the Second Annual ‘River City Rumble’ Speed Boat Races. This year’s event will be held on July 17 and 18 at the Demopolis City Landing.

Jim Parr, event coordinator, is pleased to see this event back in Demopolis for a second year. He said he really wanted to thank the people like Kelley Smith, with the Demopolis Chamber of Commerce who have helped to make this event one of the best in Demopolis.

“Smith really helped us with getting the city to donate $5,000 to this event,” Parr said.

He said he really thinks this event could be a great asset to the City of Demopolis because all the proceeds will go to help the biggest festival in town, Christmas on the River. He also said he planned on making this event a positive one for the city.

“The races last year were a huge success and we hope to make this an annual event for Demopolis,” Parr said.

He said around 100 boats from around the Southeast are expected to turn out for this event. In addition to the race, there will be food vendors and children’s activities that will complete the two-day event.

“This year we have moved the food vendors closer to the action because last year it was just to far to walk,” Parr said.

He said the committee would be publishing the map of all the roads that will be closed off during this event in the local newspaper. He also said no boaters would be allowed on the other side of the riverbanks.

“I would to like to personally invite all the residents of Demopolis and the rest of West Alabama to come out and witness these speed boats doing over a 100 miles per hour on the river,” Parr said.

The race is sponsored by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce. Admission is $7 for adults and for children 12 and under the cost is $4. For more information, please call the chamber office at (334) 289-0270.