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Y! MyWebWater fun, sand art accent River Days
Two-day gala will celebrate Great Miami River
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Justin Gordon, in foreground, and Ted Siebert work on their animal kingdom sand sculpture they built for last year's Hamilton's Great Miami River Days. This year's event is Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7.HAMILTON — About 50 tons of sand will be transformed into a work of art this week, as a wave of final preparations leads up to one of the largest water events in the area.
The City of Sculpture is sponsoring a "Wonder of Waters" sand sculpture as part of its contribution to the Great Miami River Days, which kicks off Saturday, Sept. 6, and ends Sunday, Sept. 7.
Professional sculptors already are working to create the large sand sculpture that illustrates the theme "Wonder of Waters," said Sue Samoviski, president of the City of Sculpture committee.
"We wanted to draw attention to the resources that the Great Miami River brings and the aquifer underneath," Samoviski said. "We don't know what it will look like yet."
The sculpture, to be located by Vora Technology Park, will be completed by this weekend's event, the main draw for which will be the American Power Boat Association Superleague Tunnel Boat Racing North American Championship.
Up to 35,000 people are expected to attend the two-day event, which will bring in an estimated $6 million to the local economy, according to the Greater Hamilton Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In addition to exhibitions from the Badgerland water ski team from Wisconsin, jet ski exhibitions, a rowing competition and pontoon cruises, there will be live music, dancing, food, a designated children's play area, tents for educational presentations and more land activities this year for spectators to enjoy between the main events, said Tony Traub, event committee chairman.
Despite a drag boat exhibition that was canceled last week, the event continues to evolve into a major water sports event, said Michael Cox, who's in charge of the water activities.
Great Miami River Days
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7
Where: East side of the river, along Neilan Boulevard
Cost: Free
Parking: Miami University Hamilton campus
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122
or rwilson@coxohio.com.
