NYC tugboat race, pushing contest: free event on the Hudson River

Watch tugboats duke it out in the 20th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition.  It’s on the Hudson River on Sunday, September 2nd.  The race is from  the 79th St. Boat Basin to Pier 84 at 44th St., where the water version of a tug of war happens, along with a spinach eating contest inspired by cartoon favorite Popeye the Sailor Man. Watching is FREE along the river, or purchase a ticket for a special viewing aboard a Circle Line sightseeing boat.  The fun and games start at 10 a.m.  Check the event website for specific times and locations. 

• BTW — Before it was called the Hudson River, it was called North River.  You can find more fabulous facts about NYC, along with great restaurants and stores where you’ll never pay retail, in the NYC on the Cheap smartphone app.  Available both on iTunes and Android versions.  Click here to download the iPhone, iPad, iTouch version.  Click here to download from Google Play.