If you’ve never heard the sound of a power boat as it cruises along the water at top speeds, you could mistake it for thunder. And, that’s exactly how an event that brings in some of the best boats from the Offshore Powerboat Association is named.

 Thunder on the Gulf 2011 will take place Oct. 6 through 9 along the beaches of Orange Beach as The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association hosts the OPA World Championships. The event has even earned the special honor of being rated as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast according to the Southeast Tourism Society.

This powerboat racing event will take place for four days, with powerboats qualifying on Thursday and Saturday and the championship racing being held Friday and Sunday on the 6.8 mile liquid race course. The OPA World Champions will be crowned Sunday evening at the Awards Ceremony.

Race Village will be held at State Park Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the four-day event. At Race Village, fans can observe monster race boats and their teams, purchase official race merchandise and browse other vendors. A Kids Pavilion will be set up along with stages for live entertainment from noon until 4 p.m.

On Oct. 8 at 6 p.m., a Boat Parade will start at Race Village and head towards Main Street at the Wharf. The parade will wind around the Wharf and end in front of the new Orange Beach Event Center, where there will be more opportunities for pictures and autographs with the race teams.

Following the parade, there will be a Gala in the Event Center featuring live music by the Tip Tops, a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

 VIP Passes are available for $100 plus tax. These passes give fans free access to Race Village with special viewing at various locations and access to a hospitality tent. VIP Fans will be invited as special guests at the pre-parties to be held at Live Bait, the Flora Bama, and Happy Harbor on the Line, as well as free entrance to the Gala on Saturday of the event.

To learn more about the powerboats that will race this year check out www.oparacing.org. Shuttles will be running from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to all racing venues. For more details, including volunteering for this year's event, VIP Passes, lodging sponsors, vending opportunities, the race course and info about GCPA please visit www.thunderonthegulf.com or call 251-980-RACE (7223).