This weekend promises to be a great one for drag boat racing fans as the annual Bainbridge Southern Nationals Drag Boat Race is headed to town.

The drag boat race is hosted by Decatur County Fire Fighters Association and usually draws between 1,000-1,500 spectators, Drag Boat Race Association member Frank Kay said.

Kay said this year they are expecting anywhere between 40-50 racers, but they won’t know for sure until the day of the race.

The Outboard Drag Boat Association also added a Bainbridge Bonus this year. If five to eight boats register in that category, there will be a $1,000 cash bonus on top of the regular prize. If nine boats or more register, there will be a $2,500 cash bonus. The biggest bonus will be if Erik Kiser races and wins; they will add an additional $1,000 dollar bounty on top of bonuses and prizes.

While watching drag boat racers compete, spectators can enjoy food from a variety of vendors or shop and purchase trinkets from local vendors.

The racing will begin at noon on September 8 – 9th at the Earle May Boat Basin.  The race will offer one and two day passes. For children 0-10 it is free, but for ages 11 and up, one day passes cost $8 and two day passes cost $15.

All the money will benefit the Decatur County Fire Fighters Association. Last year the race raised $5,000-$6,000, Kay said. They split the proceeds between 10 different stations, allowing everyone to get $500-$600 for their station.

They hope to raise more money this year, due to last year’s tornado cancelling out day two of the event.

Kay is asking everyone to come out and support the volunteers and watch as they compete for money, prizes and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies.

Kay wants this to be a fun weekend for all and hopes everyone will join in on the family fun. He hopes the event will continue to grow and bring in more spectators for years to come.