The Bama Belle and the Pickett Hastings riverboats squared off for a race on the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, May 18, 2019. The friendly race that stretched for two miles out and two miles back along the Tuscaloosa and Northport waterfronts was part of the city's ongoing bicentennial celebration. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
Boat race between Bama Belle, Pickett Hastings brings crowd to Tuscaloosa Riverwalk
Posted May 18, 2019 at 9:25 PM
Experience paid off in Saturday’s Great Paddle-Wheel Boat Race on the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa.
The Pickett Hastings, a racing champion built by Ike Hastings, a legendary shipbuilder and racer, defeated the Bama Belle, a first-time racer, in Saturday’s contest between Manderson Landing and the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.
The Bama Belle, owned and operated by Capt. Craig Dodson, surged to an early lead only to be overtaken by the Pickett Hastings in the stretch run. That means the Sherrill family of Tuscaloosa, the owners of the Pickett Hastings, will receive the Black Warrior River Silver Antlers Trophy for display on the boat.
The race, part of the city of Tuscaloosa’s bicentennial celebration, was conceived as a family-friendly event meant to recall the importance of river commerce and travel in the city’s early history. Each month of the yearlong celebration has a theme and May’s theme is transportation.
People were encouraged to watch the race for free along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk where there was food, face painting, music and people dressed in 19th-century costumes. About 60 passengers paid to be on board the Bama Belle during the race.
Events celebrating the city’s bicentennial will continue throughout this year. For more information, check The Tuscaloosa News’ ongoing coverage at tuscaloosanews.com/tuscaloosa200 or visit www.tuscaloosa200.com.
