Drivers, start your engines. The Maple City Grand Prix takes the waters of Stone Lake in LaPorte by storm Friday through Sunday as Formula One tunnel boats reach speeds of up to 100 mph.
Jack Arnett, executive director of the LaPorte County Visitor Bureau, says the race began eight years ago in Michigan City, and three years ago it also came to LaPorte.
“We do the Michigan City race in the late summer, but this one we added in the spring to start off the summer. It has gone very well and been very successful,” Arnett said.
One of the reasons the event is a success is that it is family-oriented, with activities throughout the weekend.
“Stone Lake is a residential setting and we are a little limited on crowd space, but we have about 8,000 to 10,000 people who come out. It’s over three days and we get a lot of families. On Friday night we do a boat parade downtown and afterward families can go up to the boats and get autographs and photos with the race teams,” he said.
“We have Taste of LaPorte that goes on at the same time and the whole community participates. We have food vendors during the race, a kids’ area with a carnival-type atmosphere including rides and bounce houses, and we have live music as well. On Saturday we have fireworks at the lake and it’s all free,” Arnett said.
The weekend is a boon for the LaPorte economy, helping to bolster nearby restaurants, hotels and shops, Arnett said.
“This weekend brings about $3 million to the city of LaPorte. One thing we want all visitors to be aware of, though, is that there is no parking at the site. You have to park at the fairgrounds and we have free shuttles going continuously to Stone Lake,” he said.
Races take place Saturday and Sunday with an award ceremony following at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium. Boat racers come from all over the country including Texas and Florida, as well as from Canada.
“The first year we had 22 race teams, the second year we had 27 and this year we have 43 race teams, and we are having a hard time finding pit areas. They love our community and love our site and keep coming back,” Arnett said.
Augustyn is a freelance reporter.
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Maple City Grand Prix
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: Stone Lake, LaPorte
Tickets: Free
Information: 219-872-5055 or Maplecitygrandprix.com