Submitted by Kathy Melson

The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association is delighted to announce that the week of Thunder on the Gulf 2011 is rated as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast according to the Southeast Tourism Society.

This year’s raced will be Oct. 6-9 and will be bigger and better than ever.

The pristine beaches of Orange Beach will once again host the Amsoil Offshore Powerboat Series sanctioned by the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA). Race Village will be at the State Park Pavilion and will be jam-packed with excitement.

It will be open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. This family-friendly event will allow race fans to observe monster race boats and their teams, let the kids play at the Kids Pavilion, purchase official race merchandise and check out the vendors.

On Saturday there will be live entertainment at Race Village from noon-4 p.m.  Shuttles will be running from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to all racing venues.

Saturday evening at 6 p.m. there will be a Boat Parade from Race Village at the State Park Pavilion to Main Street at the Wharf.  The parade will wind around the Wharf and end in front of the new Orange Beach Event Center where race fans can take pictures of the boats and get autographs with the race teams.

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

VIP Passes will give race fans free access to Race Village and a special viewing area from the Hospitality tent located at the Island House Hotel where you can enjoy food and libations on Friday and Sunday from noon- 4p.m. The VIP Pass will allow race fans exclusive access to a special viewing area at Cobalt the Restaurant. All four days fans can watch the cranes “SPLASH” the race boats in the Wet Pits at Caribe Resort from this special viewing area.

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 at the Orange Beach Event Center on Oct. 8.

The “Thunder” of Thunder on the Gulf will take place for four days, with powerboats qualifying on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico on Thursday and Saturday, and the championship racing on Friday and Sunday on the 6.8 mile liquid race course!  The Amsoil OPA World Champions will be crowned Sunday evening at the Awards Ceremony.

To learn more about the powerboats that will race this year check out www.oparacing.org. VIP Passes are $100 each, plus tax, and will go on sale online June 30, 2011. 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 our website at www.thunderonthegulf.com, or call us at 251-980-RACE (7223).  Check the website often for additional events to be added to the Official Race Week Calendar.