RIVERS -- The 2013 USA Jet River Racing Series kicks off this weekend (April 19-21) with the 29^th Annual Salmon RIVER Jet Boat Races near Riggins, Idaho.

About 20 jet boat teams from Canada and the United States are expected to compete. Teams will be racing for fastest times on Saturday and Sunday. 

The next scheduled races in the US are:

• May 17-19, 1^st annual Race the Joe, on the St. Joe River at St. Maries.
• Aug. 23-25, 2^nd annual Thunder on the Snake, on the Snake River at Lewiston.

The community of Riggins is celebrating  this weekend's events with a public BBQ on Friday, April 19 starting at 6 p.m. (tickets are $10 per person) and a fireworks show on Saturday evening after the first day of races.

Spectators are invited to watch the event from the riverbanks where there is public road access to view all the action.  Notable viewing areas include the confluence of the Little and Main Salmon Rivers, Time Zone Rapid and Tight Squeeze Rapid.

Music, food and vendors will be featured all over town.

Read on for lodging in for and a race schedule.

Lodging is available in Riggins, just to the south in New Meadows and McCall, or to the north in Whitebird and Grangeville.

For lodging in the area, visit InIdaho.com or call 1-800-844-3246.

Read

The official 29^th Annual Salmon RIVER Jet Boat Race event schedule follows:

Friday, April 19, 2013

RIGGINS, ID (MDT): Testing and Pre-runs – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
6 p.m.--Registration, Welcome Public BBQ & “Show & Shine Boat Show” at the Salmons Rapids Lodge

Saturday, April 20, 2013

RIGGINS, ID (MDT)
10:00am: LEG 1 – Island Bar to Lightning Creek (8 miles)
10:45am: LEG 2 – Lightning Creek to Island Bar (8 miles)

BREAK
1pm: LEG 3 – Island Bar to Lightning Creek (8 miles)
1:45pm: LEG 4 – Lightning Creek to Island Bar (8 miles)
2:30pm: LEG 5 – Island Bar to Lightning Creek (8 miles)
3:15pm: LEG 6 – Lightning Creek to Island Bar (8 miles)

DUSK – Fireworks Celebration in Riggins City Park

Sunday, April 21, 2013

RIGGINS, ID (MDT)

10am: LEG 1 – Island Bar to Lightning Creek (8 miles)
10:45am: LEG 2 – Lightning Creek to Island Bar (8 miles)
11:30am LEG 3 – Island Bar to Lightning Creek (8 miles)
12:15pm LEG 4 – Lightning Creek to Island Bar (8 miles)
Awards Ceremony immediately following the races– Seven Devils Steakhouse & Saloon

Race schedule is subject to change.