The annual Great Miami River Days celebration is known for its awe-inspiring water and land acrobatics while raising awareness about water conservation and safety.

In the past, visitors have seen world-champion water skiers and jet ski demonstrations. Now in its eighth year, the GMRR has decided to add a few new attractions, such as the Ohio Flyers, who will launch their Delta kites directly from the water, a seaplane landing on the water to ferry special guests to the event, and drag boat racing, which one organizer said is the aquatic version of automobile funny-car drag racing.

“People love it,” said Jerry Lanic, a committee member in charge of GMRR boating. “It’s the noise, the way it shoots off the line. You’ll feel the ground vibrate just like in an auto race. It’s a multisensory experience.”

The only drawback is that, unlike in auto racing, observers will be separated from the racers by 100 feet of water, which is why the River Days are offering special “pit passes.” These will allow people to park across the river and look at the boats up close.

“They can be there when guys are tuning up the engines, admire the chrome and paint jobs,” said Lanic, then added with a laugh, “Some boats show and don’t go, while other boats go but don’t show.”

There are drag boats in America that can reach speeds of 225 miles per hour. The fastest series at the GMRR will be the pro modified series, which will get up to 185 mph. Lanic attributes this to drag boat racing historically being a west-of-the-Mississippi sport and a sluggish economy.

“It takes money to get the bigger boats,” he said. “In this economy, it’s a lot harder to get sponsorships, and (Chairman) Tony Traub has really busted his tail. When we pulled together the $15,000 purse and announced it, there was a lot of chatter. Usually, drag boat racers around here would have to go to Texas or the West Coast for that kind of money, and we have a great spectator site. I think next year the committee will have an easier time getting sponsorships and the bigger boats.”

The GMRR has been growing year by year, achieving a surplus for the first time last year, said Lanic. This year, attendance is expected to be 40,000-50,000 people. Other activities include the American Heart Association 5K Heart Walk and the Miller/Coors eighth annual Benefit Bike Run, which will benefit the Ohio Patriot Guard, a group of statewide motorcycle enthusiasts devoted to attending military funerals, paying respect to the fallen and shielding family members from unwanted intrusions such as protestors.

“This is the only time motorized vehicles are allowed on the bike path,” said Fiona Casey, the committee member in charge of GMRR entertainment. “It will also mix well with Molly Hatchet.”

Molly Hatchet, the Southern hard-rock band who released three platinum-selling albums in the late 1970s and early ’80s, will be the headliner after a long day of live music on Saturday.

“When I contacted their management and told them we were a nonprofit bringing attention to water conservation, they were more than happy to be a part of it,” Casey said. “And we felt the best way to grow the event was to increase the entertainment. Molly Hatchet is a good fit.”

Indeed, in addition to a rock-climbing wall, children’s rides, historical re-enactments of the Civil War era, Saturday night fireworks and a beer garden, there will also be several booths and activities to educate children and adults alike about the importance of water conservation.

“That’s very important,” Lanic said. “We’re very concerned with groundwater quality. Rainwater and storm water has to go somewhere, and if you don’t put it back into the ground in good form, it can endanger water that a lot of people drink from. We guard the quality of our water very jealously. Hamilton’s water was recently judged the best tasting in the world.”