(Michigan City, IN) - As many as 70 or more race teams from five continents will have boats in Lake Michigan for the 15th annual Great Lakes Grand Prix along the shoreline in Michigan City this weekend.
La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO Jack Arnett said he never imagined the race would blossom into the major, award winning spectacle that it’s become for the region when the event sponsored in recent years by XINSURANCE was just an idea pursued.
“We got lucky. We got tied in with some good promoters and the thing as you know has just taken a life of its own,” he said.
In some years, the estimated total attendance for the race and related events has exceeded 200,000.vvEvents linked to the race began Tuesday with a Meet & Greet Racers Party followed by a golf outing at the Michigan City Municipal Golf Course on Wednesday.
On Thursday, there will be a VIP Party at Sunset Grille featuring the band “RockDogs” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. along with the band “AFTERMATH” performing at Washington Park Beach that same evening from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
An open to the public food court offering alcoholic beverages will operate near the water’s edge on Friday from noon until 10 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Our list of vendors are primarily local,” Arnett said.
There will be a farmers market and retailers with merchandise available for purchase outside storefronts Friday in the Uptown Arts District on Franklin St. from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A food court will also be set up during that event.
The classic rock band, “The Bones,” will also play that evening at the beach from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
On Saturday, the events include the Four A’s Vintage Car Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Washington Park; a Block Party also including a kids carnival area from noon to 10 p.m. in the Uptown Arts District and Boat Parade from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Franklin St. from 9th to 4th streets.
The boats capable to traveling more than 150 mph will start hitting the water for testing and racing Saturday from 10 a.m. 4 p.m.
More racing is scheduled during the same time period on Sunday followed by the band, Soul Shine, playing from the roof top at Sunset Grille beginning at 4 p.m.
Arnett said it’s hard to know exactly how many race teams will be participating because of last minute changes that can happen in the sport in areas ranging from mechanical issues and sponsors. He believes the number will be similar to the roughly 70 teams from last year judging by the number of boats that have already showed up.
“We don’t always know ahead of time. It’s looking like we’re going to have a full contingent for sure,” he said.
Due to limited on-site parking, Arnett encouraged people to park at Blue Chip Casino and ride a free, air conditioned shuttle to get to and from the race Saturday and Sunday.
“Try not to drive into the park. The park is going to be full,” he said.
