From WJBF Channel 6 News …
Augusta, GA —
It's the second oldest boat race in the nation, the Augusta Southern Nationals. Organizers say with ticket sales, hotel accommodations and restaurant visits; this will be a huge boost to the economy.
Boats are cruising down the river, getting ready to race on water. Organizers say they have 87 teams competing this year, which is up from 2010. With ticket sales, hotel accommodations and restaurant visits, this is the kind of wake our local economy can really get behind.
Dayton Sherrouse, race organizer: "There up slightly from last year so, from a spectators stand point, looks like we might have a few more people."
And, with those few more people make a difference when every tourism dollar counts.
Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Bowles, Augusta, GA: "I think the vibe is picking up this year a little bit and you might see a larger crowd."
Cory McGinnis, reporting: "Participants from all over the country are expected to come to the Augusta southern nationals, this year's event is expected to raise over $1.2 million and those proceeds are going to a special non-profit organization…"
Sherrouse: "It's just a lot of satisfaction in it, when it's over…knowing that you had a hand in doing something that brought a lot of people to Augusta and got national exposure for the city, and had a positive economic impact for the community."
With no paid staff, and a lot of volunteers, organizers expect this year's event to be …
Barry White, president and CEO of Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau: "A thrilling event, if you never seen a boat go 250 mph on water it’s pretty incredible."
And with these thrills and spills comes a little more than $1.2 million in spending from our visitors. Now, that’s the kind of “drag” our local economy needs.
White: "It is big money for the city and its great to have an event like this to benefit from…"
Gates at the event begin this Friday at 8 am and runs until Sunday July 17th at the Augusta Riverfront Marina, the first race begins at 10 am, tickets are only $5.