When you've been in Owensboro a lot of years, you realize that the city loves to make the riverfront a part of just about every major event.

I've often had the discussion with friends and family about how we may even take the mighty Ohio River for granted. Think of all the people in this country who DON'T live on a body of water and what they're missing.

And what's happening in August is not only going to be a blast, but it will hark back to a time in the 1970s when a certain Sunday each year was all about hydroplanes. Yes, I AM talking about the upcoming Owensboro Hydrofair.

The familiar and nostalgic sounds of hydroplanes on the river will fill the air August 19th through August 22nd with testing on the 19th; qualifying races on the 20th and 21st; the Grand Prix APBA Summer National Championship on the 20th; and the APBA North American Championship Races on the 22nd.

On August 20th, the racing events will take place from 10 AM until 4 PM. But hang around for an inaugural Owensboro concert.

That Saturday evening, there will be a special edition of the city's beloved Live on the Banks series at the Overlook, otherwise known as the Bat Wing. It's called the Downtown Summer Jam, a free concert that will feature Zocephus & Funk Nasty and Soul N the Pocket. The Downtown Summer Jam will begin at 7 PM.

Inaugural Downtown Summer Jam/Facebook
Inaugural Downtown Summer Jam/Facebook
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But don't run off after the show because you'll want to stick around for an amazing pyro-musical performance of synchronized lighting on the Blue Bridge AND a fireworks display. Lights on the Ohio will begin at 8:30 PM.

Friday After 5. The Owensboro Hydrofair. Live on the Banks. And now the Downtown Summer Jam. A summer that's already been a blast just got even better.

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