(Michigan City, IN) - Officials involved with the 2022 Great Lakes Grand Prix are announcing what they described as some exciting changes in this year's schedule.
The LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau is taking over the downtown Michigan City schedule and ensuring that the events associated with the Boat Parade and Block Party go on as scheduled.
"We are sorry to lose the Michigan City Mainstreet Association as a partner. They did a fantastic job running the Taste, tying it in with our Boat Parade and Block Party," said LPCCVB Chief Executive Officer Jack Arnett.
The new schedule will include a Friday night "Shop Sip Support" event to support local merchants.
"This event will allow us to showcase our downtown in a new and exciting way," Arnett said.
In addition, Arnett said, "We will also be hosting a Race Team Welcome Party in Washington Park. The event will include live entertainment, food, and beverages. This will be open to the public and give everyone a great opportunity to get up close and mingle with the race teams."
"Our Saturday Boat Parade and Block Party will still include food provided by our local food vendors and live entertainment and alcohol vendors."
Arnett said adding the two Friday night events and keeping tradition with the Parade and Block Party will continue to make Michigan City the number one destination for Offshore Racing in North America.
"We are planning for a huge turnout, and as always, we will be offering Michigan City's finest food and drink options available," he said.
Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry seemed very pleased with the changes resulting from the new leadership of the downtown events.
"We are so excited to see what the Great Lakes Grand Prix does with the Boat Parade and Block Party," Parry said. "Jack Arnett and his team have done an amazing job bringing the boat race to the level it is, and we are confident that they will do the same with the Block Party. We are excited to work with the team to make this event bigger and better than ever!"
For a full schedule of events, go to www.greatlakesgrandprix.com.
