Rocking the Sabine River

Archeological evidence indicates the valley of the Sabine River, which separates the great state of Texas and Louisiana, has been inhabited for as long as 12,000 years by indigenous peoples. Starting in the eighth century, the Caddo inhabited the area followed by Spanish explorers and French traders. The river flows 555 miles through the east side of Orange, which got its name because of the native orange groves that attracted the attention of boatmen as they navigated the Sabine River. The river itself was named in 1716 by Spanish explorer Domingo Ramón as appeared as “Río de Sabinas.”

The Sabine River will be celebrated, of sorts, May 3-5, as Explore Orange and the DSRA (Deep South Racing Association) hosts the annual Rock the River DSRA Power Boat Races on May 3-5 at the City of Orange Boat Ramp and Riverside Pavilion near downtown. Admission is free.

Once called “Shootout on the Sabine,” Orange CVB Coordinator Brandy Judice explained last year the event only had music due to the DSRA temporarily disbanding, so the event was renamed “Rock the River.”

The DSRA has since been purchased by new owners, Erin and Randy Wheat, who are local, so the boat races return as does live music.

“The boats are rocking the river while the music is rocking the river,” said Judice. “We also wanted to move the date up so it would not be in competition with over events, graduations and recitals.”

The weekend begins with a “kickoff party” on Friday, May 3, at 5 p.m. Plenty of food vendors will be on site including All the Smoke BBQ, Mice Ice, Binky’s Sno Cones, Manny’s Melting Pot, Bobby’s Smokehouse, Home Plate and Wing Junkiez. Popular Zydeco standout Keith Frank takes the stage from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The river will literally begin to rock Saturday morning at 10 a.m. as the DSRA boats take to the water. Fuel your need for speed as drag boat racers exhibit their skills in a series of adrenaline-pumping races to the finish line. For those who have never seen DSRA racing, spectators can witness boats buzzing up and down the Sabine River at speeds upwards of 120 mph. The speed, the sound, and the water – best experienced in person.

Live music begins at 1 p.m. with The Flip-Flop Man followed by The Pegwinders (3:30 p.m.), Jamie Talbert (5 p.m.) and a “rocking” headlining performance by The Velcro Pygmies, who will tack you on a trip back in time when hair was big, but rock ‘n’ roll was bigger – Van Halen, KISS, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Queen, Guns N’ Roses and more.

Food vendors will selling their best dishes and the young ones can partake in kid zone activities such as slides, trackless trains, oversized-tricycles and more.

The weekend concludes Sunday, May 5, with a day filled with boat races, food, and activities for the kids at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Rock the River and DSRA Boat Races has something for everyone, with a summer concert, drag boat races, tasty food, and family-friendly activities, making for a perfect weekend by the water,” said Judice. “The idea is to draw not only locals, but out of town families who can make an entire weekend out of it by visiting Shangri La, Stark Museum of Art and the Stark House.”

Please note, no dogs or pets will be allowed at the Riverside Pavilion. For more information, call (409) 883-1011.

“This is a kickoff to summer – boats, water, music, sunshine all outdoors,” added Judice.