LaPorte Expecting Boating Boost
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA three-day power boat racing event begins today in LaPorte. Visit Michigan City LaPorte says last year's inaugural Maple City Grand Prix resulted in a more than $1 million jolt for the economy. May 30, 2014
News Release
LAPORTE, Ind. (May 19, 2014) -The US F1 Powerboat Tour returns to LaPorte May 29 – June 1. The Second Annual Maple City Grand Prix this year adds fireworks and flyovers, and will once again feature “Meet the Racers” events, a downtown boat parade, a family friendly kids play zone, and live music at the Stone Lake event site. The official schedule for this year's race has been released and features world class tunnel boat racing action on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Fireworks are Saturday night, while flyovers are slated for every day, weather permitting. Admission is free, and large crowds are expected from throughout the region.
“This year’s schedule has shaped up to become a large family friendly event,” said Jack Arnett, Visit Michigan City Executive Director. “We're looking forward to an exciting event, but also a three day festive atmosphere, where folks can bring their families and enjoy racing, music, fireworks, and fun at Stone Lake.”
Free parking and free shuttles will be available on Truesdell across from McDonald's and at the Fairgrounds.
LAPORTE, Ind. (March 20, 2014) -The US F1 Powerboat Tour is on its way back to LaPorte for the Second Annual Maple City Grand Prix. Visit Michigan City LaPorte and US F1 announced Friday that the nation's premier tunnel boat racing series will race again on Stone Lake in LaPorte, the weekend of May 29 – June 1. The Grand Prix will kick off the US F1 series, serving as the season opening race. Last year’s inaugural event pumped more than $1 million into the local, LaPorte economy, through visitor spending, and drew visitors from all over the country.
The event will once again feature VIP and meet the racers events, as well as a boat parade and downtown event in LaPorte's city center. “I'm thrilled to welcome back the Formula One boat racers, crews and fans to LaPorte for the kickoff of their 2014 season,” LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo said. “The inaugural Maple City Grand Prix was a great weekend filled with exciting boat races, amazing capability amongst racers, crews and the boats, and most of all family fun that was available to everyone and the 2014 festivities will be all that with even more boats, events and thrills!”
Last year's field of 28 F1 and F-Lights boat is expected to expand this year, according to F1 President Jose Mendana Jr., who said registrations are already topping last year's number. He said US F1 is excited to kick off its season in LaPorte.
“The people of LaPorte did a great job and everyone who was here can’t wait to come back,” he said. “And the racers who weren’t there have heard from other guys what a great site it is, so our numbers are looking really good.”
This year, Visit Michigan City LaPorte has teamed with LaPorte based sports marketing firm FWC to expand the event, adding more events to the grand prix, including several family friendly outlets. FWC's prominence in the industry will allow for an expanded marketing footprint that will help the race reach nearly from coast to coast.
“We couldn't have been happier with our first year. The race exceeded our expectations and was a huge success,” said Jack Arnett, Visit Michigan City Executive Director. “The economic impact was strong and we look forward to adding to that this year. And we're very excited about our new partnership with FWC. They'll add a great deal to what we're doing and will make the event even better.”
Source: Visit Michigan City LaPorte