To get up-to-date information of Riverfront happenings, don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter on our homepage!
PARK RULES & REGULATIONS - Please note: Due to liability and legal restrictions, NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES of any kind may be brought into the Riverfront Parks by any party. Riverfront Recapture is the only licensed authority to sell and serve liquor for consumption in the Riverfront Parks.
Enjoy the long summer days by performing Pilates outside! Join instructors from Personal Euphoria Pilates for free Pilates classes near the Amphitheater at Great River Park in East Hartford. All are welcome to attend with no experience necessary! Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, towel, water bottle, and sunglasses. Arrive early to reserve your spot on the grass as space is limited to the first twenty-five participants. Free classes run Saturday mornings beginning July 17 to August 21 from 8:30-9:30am. Visit www.pilatesct.com for more information or contact Personal Euphoria at 860-716-9215. In case of inclement weather, the website and voicemail will list if the class will be running or not.
What is Pilates? Pilates is designed to strengthen core muscles, including the abdominals, back, and glutes, while lengthening and maintaining loose, limber limbs. It strengthens the body while keeping joints mobile and flexible. You’ll feel your muscles engaging without straining your joints. The exercises provide variations to meet different body types making it an exercise option for everyone.
For information on changes or cancellations to the classes click here.
September 3, 4 & 5
On-water Race Testing, Friday, 10am - 4pm
Racing Event, Saturday & Sunday, 11am - 5pm
Over Labor Day weekend, the Connecticut River will once again come alive with the roar of engines and the spray of rooster tails. The premier PRO outboard racing organization in the United States, US Title Series, will conclude their 6 month long season here in East Hartford and Hartford. World record racers from around the country will bring their custom American and European manufactured 2-stroke engines - all dialed in for high performance racing.
The competition will be divided into classes range from 125cc up to 1100cc engines, with speeds reaching 120 miles per hour! There is no thrill more exciting than seeing the blur of boats thundering across the surface of the water into their first turn. With youth competitors, starting at age 11 with their K-PRO Hydro boats, to veteran drivers, the Riverfront US Title Series Power Boat Race promises to offer something for everyone.
Come join us for an exciting, action packed Labor Day weekend of family-oriented racing and good old American fun!
There are ten race classes in the U.S. Title Series based on the type of boat and the size of the engines. Engines are specifically designed for racing, burn methanol fuel, and are manufactured all over the world. A separate race is run for each class consisting of three heats per class and three to four laps per heat. There are two distinctive types of boats in the U.S. Title Series: Runabouts and Hydroplanes. Runabouts are hulls that have a flat bottom. They turn well, ride rough, and as any experienced Runabout rider will tell you, require the most skill to drive. U.S. Title Series has 4 Runabout classes dependent on engine size: 125cc, 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc. Runabouts don’t have seats– the driver kneels and has to lean hard into the turns while bouncing on the water at speeds up to 100 mph. With one hand on the throttle and the other on the steering wheel, these sharp turning boats require quick reflexes and a love for adrenaline.
Hydroplanes are the fastest boats on the water. Designed to ride on a tunnel of air over the water, these boats nearly fly—up to 130 mph. The 500cc Hydros require a capsule and a 5-point harness seating system similar to NASCAR for safety conditions. These drivers carry oxygen and many use radios in their helmets to receive direction from their crew-chief. U.S. Title Series also runs 125cc, 250cc, and 350cc Hydroplanes. As one of the most popular classes in the world, 350cc Hydroplanes balance the abilities of high speeds with good handling, which can result in some very exciting racing.
Pit Passes
If you want to get up and close to the action, Pit Passes will be on sale for $5.00. Access to the Pit Area requires that you sign a liability release. No alcohol is allowed in this area.
Viewing
There are 3 great viewing areas for the Riverfront US Title Series Power Boat Race:
1. Great River Park, East Hartford - See all of the boats in the Pit Area and view the start and finish from the banks of the Connecticut River.
2. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford -View raciong from the grassy terraces as they power into their first turn at speeds approaching 100 mph
3. Founders Bridge between Hartford and East Hartford - Get an overhead view of the action and take in the entire race course.
All of the viewing sites for The Riverfront US Title Series Power Boat Race can be reached on foot.
Entertainment
Live entertainment will be provided for your enjoyment in the amphitheater in Great River Park, East Hartford and Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm.
Food and Beverage
Delicious food and thirst quenching beverages will be available for purchase on both sides of the river.
Great River Park, East Hartford
• Primo’s (Italian sausage & peppers)
• F & W Caterers (hot dogs, cheese steak, fries, funnel cakes)
• Bricin’s Festival Foods (fried dough)
• Mazz’s Kettle Corn
• Carvel Ice Cream
• Rita’s Italian Ice
Non-alcoholic beverages are available at food vendor booths
(Valid I.D. and wrist band required for consumption of alcohol – It is unlawful to bring outside alcohol into the Riverfront parks.)
Merchandise Event merchandise will be available for sale in both Hartford and East Hartford. Precedes from merchandise sales help support Riverfront Recapture’s non-profit programming efforts.
Directions and Parking
Everything you need to know about visiting our parks including directions and parking information can be found here:
Make a weekend out of the US Title Series Power Boat race and stay in one of our Host Hotels. Riverfront Recapture has negotiated special arrangements with 2 very nice properties that are walking distance to the venue.
Sheraton, East Hartford ($90/night*): Approximately 2 blocks from Great River Park, this hotel offers a full service restaurant, bar, heated indoor swimming pool, and shuttle service. For reservations, call 860.528.2065 or Click Here.
*Reservations must be made by August 20, 2010 for special discount.
Hampton Inn & Suites ($109/night*): Directly adjacent to Great River Park, this brand new hotel features a full complimentary breakfast, and an indoor heated swimming pool. For reservations, call 860.282.2500 and use Reservation Code SPB
*Reservations must be made by August 2, 2010 for special discount.
PARK RULES & REGULATIONS - Please note: Due to liability and legal restrictions, NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES of any kind may be brought into the Riverfront Parks by any party. Riverfront Recapture is the only licensed authority to sell and serve liquor for consumption in the Riverfront Parks.