NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. -- North Tonawanda residents are getting ready for the fastest show on water to arrive at the Niagara River. Mayor Arthur Pappas announced the 10th annual Thunder On The Niagara speedboat races Tuesday.
The Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association estimates up to 20,000 people will flood Gratwick Waterfront Park. Ninety hydroplane and speed boat racers will travel from as far away as Quebec and Louisiana to compete. The competition also helps raise money for local organizations that provide food and clothing to needy Western New Yorkers.
"We support and supply a facility for Meals On Wheels, a clothes closet and a food pantry here in North Tonawanda, so everything we do here goes back into the community," said Twin Cities Community Outreach President Greg Lureman.
Thunder On The Niagara takes place August 15 and August 16.