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It's summertime....and the THUNDER IS BACK!!!  The only racing event of it's kind in Montana, and one of only eight races on the circuit in the United States this year, is coming to Flathead Lake south of the bridge in Polson, Montana this Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and 19th (Gates Open at 9:00AM, Race Time 11:00AM at Regatta Beach- Hwy 93 just north of bridge, follow signs. ) Presented by Anderson Broadcasting, it's the 2nd Annual "RADIO WAVES REGATTA".

The ULHRA (Unlimited Light Hydroplane Racing Association) who sanctions this event, and virtually all the participants in last year's inaugural event of the Radio Waves Regatta, together with all the agencies involved were extremely pleased and excited about this great event at this incredible location.  Last year's participants were thrilled with the spectacular venue on Flathead Lake guarded by the Mission Mountains, and the word spread quickly.  This year, the excitement is really building, as there will be nearly 40 hydroplanes competing in five different classes...the 4-cylinder and 8-cylinder Lighter than Lights, the 5-litre hydros, the NACCS series "Thunderboats", and the ever-popular Unlimited LIghts.  The first year was very exciting and successful, but we learned how we could make it even better.  After a great deal of study and planning, many improvements have been made to allow traffic to move more efficiently on the highway and in and out of the parking areas.  If you attended last year, you will be thrilled with the improvements. There will be more apparent law enforcement on the ground, at traffic lights, at intersections and in the parking area to ensure public safety and dynamic traffic flow given the limits of out roadways when so many people come to enjoy the festivities.  Other improvements and additions to this year's spectacle include some on-the-water and in-the-air aircraft demonstrations, cigarette boat and vintage hydroplane demonstrations and displays, more food and refreshment vendors, better audio sound system, more restroom facilities, open pit times to meet and greet drivers and see the hydroplanes up close, music, plus some special appearances and surprises you'll just have to be in attendance to enjoy.  Tickets are available at the event after you have parked your vehicle and are only $8.00, under 6 years of age free.  Coolers are not allowed, and for the enjoyment and safety of everyone (including your dog) dogs will not be allowed.  As always, a spectacle as exciting and complex as a major hydroplane racing event like this requires a great deal of planning and professional assistance.  At Anderson Broadcasting, our paramount issue has been to provide an event that provides for the safety of all involved, so both participants and spectators can enjoy the thrills of racing at this level.  Again this year, an incredible group of volunteers have been assembled both on the water, and at the Regatta grounds.  The Lake County Search and Rescue team includes dozens of emergency pros and divers.  Environmental concerns have been addressed also, as all ULHRA sanctioned events require HazMat containment equipment to be employed on site.  The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes require and approve of all of these concerns and conditions to ensure public safety.  We also work together with city, county, state and federal agencies, and Polson Fairgrounds, Inc., to make certain we are in compliance and cooperation to conduct an event The race area will be closed to all boat traffic during the actual races not associated with the event from the bridge to a point one mile south of the bridge.  Periodic openings will permit private residents to access their property when racing boats are out of the water.  For lodging and RV or overnight camping facility information visit andersonbroadcasting.com and go to Radio Waves Regatta page, or call 1-800-750-5377.  There are many associated or related events happening in Polson, too, like a boat parade friday night, a concert at the KwaTaqnuk Resort featuring the hit band "Exile" with Tim Ryan Roullier on saturday night and the Main Street Cherry Festival saturday and sunday downtown Polson. Come to enjoy and experience the summer thunder......we hope to see you there......Dennis and Nila Anderson, owners, Anderson Broadcasting.