Labor Day weekend will see several popular events in the area. In New Martinsville the 9th annual Vintage Regatta will return to amaze spectators as classic hydroplanes speed over the Ohio River at racing speeds. The New Martinsville Vintage Race Boat Regatta is a free, family‒friendly event celebrating the heritage of river racing on the Ohio River.

Also on that weekend is the long running Paden City Labor Day Celebration, with lots of entertainment and the granddaddy of parades, the Paden City Labor Day Parade that celebrates all laborers and those who are members of trade unions in America.

This year’s Vintage Hydroplane event coordinators, have 38 pre-register boats coming to town. Boats of every size and class will return to the pit area behind Dos Hermanos Mexican Restaurant at mile marker 127 on the Ohio River.

Each of the boats will be placed strategically to accommodate the large group of boats. The boats range in age from being constructed in the late 1940s, up until the APBA required racing boats to have modern safety equipment to prevent injury to drivers when an incident would happen at racing speeds.

The group of boats having lost their sanctioned right to race, overnight became show pieces with no possibility to ever travel at speed on the water again. But thanks to a group of dedicated drivers and owners, a new class of boats was accepted by the sanctioning body to become the Vintage Class.

Today at different locations on the east coast these boats gather to still amaze the crowds with their speed and beautiful design lines.

The New Martinsville event goes back to 1938 when the first boats came to town to be part of the community’s 100th birthday. And for pretty much down through the years, the unmistakable sound of power boats has been heard on the Ohio River alongside New Martinsville each year.

Last Thursday evening the members of the New Martinsville Vintage event gathered at Don Hermoso restaurant to go over last-minute details to ensure everything will go smoothly once again this year.

Although the boats are not permitted to race each other, they still know how to put on a show for those gathered alongside the river. Each group of boat classes are placed in the water by McAdoo Cranes. Once they are given the okay to enter the course, they travel five to seven laps over the laid-out course. After the display runs are complete, the pit area is opened to the public. Moms and Dads can bring their children into the pits to talk with the drivers and owners and get an up-close look at the vintage racing boats. Some of the boats in the pits are still holders of world records and National Championships.

One thing that makes the group of owners even more interesting is several boats have local owners, Drew Herrick, Dave Jackson and Mitch Herrick. Several more from the Wheeling area are part of the day’s attendees.

On Saturday and Sunday, the boats will run heats beginning at 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day; pit breaks allow close‒up viewing, photos, and even brief rides for spectators (closed‒toe shoes required.

Although some of the boats are antiques, they still can reach speeds up to 90-160 mph in demonstration runs.

On the Main Street in front of the restaurant, Food vendors will be set up. For the kids bounce houses will also be located in the area. And for the spectators, bleacher seating will be available. For those wanting a softer seat, it is recommended they bring their own lawn chairs. Arrive early for the best viewing and pit access. Bring water, sunscreen, and closed‒toe shoes. Expect loud engines and spray — it’s a high‒energy, fast‒paced event.

This event is only possible through the work of the dedicated committee that loves the New Martinsville hydroplane experience. And without the financial support of sponsors, events in the community would not be possible. ALL SEASONS POWERSPORTS, BARISTAS, BRIDGEPORT EQUIPMENT, MOMENTIVE, QUINET’S COURT RESTAURANT, JIM KLUG EXCAVATING, DOS HERMANOS, LITMAN EXCAVATING, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, MOOSE LODGE 931, WETZEL COUNTY COMMISSION, WAYSIDE FURNITURE, DR. DAVID BRIDGEMAN, CITY OF NEW MARTINSVILLE, NEW MARTINSVILLE PHARMACY, EASTERSEALS AND CITIZENS BANK OF WV.