HCP file photos by Rory Ryan
HCP file photos by Rory Ryan
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Rumble in the Hills returns to Rocky Fork Lake Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31.

Rumble in the Hills is an exciting annual weekend of hydroplane powerboat racing at Rocky Fork Lake in southern Ohio. It's the last weekend in July and is family friendly and free to attend. It's racing, but the event is much more than that.

The event kicks off Saturday, July 30 at 9 a.m. at the East Shore boat launch off McCoppin Mill Road. From there, racing will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be viewable from both sides of the lake.

Also during the day Saturday, a flea market and kids zone will be set up from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the East End Overlook Retreat area on Lucas Lane.

Food vendors will be parked on both sides of the lake from 10 a.m. until dark. The East Shore boat launch off of McCoppin Mill Road will feature a beer garden from 11 a.m. until dark.

Blue Steel will perform in concert Saturday night from 6:30-9:30 p.m. before the fireworks. Saturday’s activities will conclude with fireworks at dark, which will be viewable from both sides of the lake.

On Sunday, racing will resume at 11 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m., viewable from both sides of the lake.

At the Overlook Retreat on Lucas Lane, Sunday’s activities will include the kids zone as well as Joey’s Classic Car Show from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Food vendors (both sides of the lake, 10 a.m.-dark) and a beer garden (at the East Shore boat launch, 11 a.m.-dark) will again be offered throughout the day Sunday.

Also throughout the weekend, the Sassafras Music Festival will be held at East End Overlook Retreat on Lucas Lane. The festival begins Friday, July 29 with a concert from Sean Poole and Buckin’ Crazy from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday’s music series will include Steven Dowd from noon to 1 p.m.; Nate Ward and The Mercenaries from 2-3:30 p.m.; Late Arrival Band from 4-6 p.m.; and Missing November from 7-9 p.m.

Also on Saturday, a cornhole tournament will be held during the festival. Registration for the tournament begins at 9 a.m., with the tournament starting at 10 a.m.

The music festival concludes Sunday with Troy Wait from 1-1:30 p.m. and Timberlane Express from 2-4 p.m.

An open mic/jam session also begins at 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

The music festival is free to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

There will be more great activities. Please attend for the full experience.