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Michigan City’s Grand Prix Announces Exciting Summer Schedule

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Michigan City, IN (May 23, 2022) - The 13th Annual Award-Winning Great Lakes Grand Prix, featuring some of the world’s fastest and most exciting powerboat racing, will be back August 3-7 at Michigan City’s Washington Park, it was announced today by Jack L. Arnett, CEO of the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The event will again present teams from all seven continents racing across the waters of Lake Michigan in some of the world’s fastest powerboats, reaching speeds nearing 175 miles per hour. Along with the boat races, Arnett announced other weekend highlights – the downtown Boat Parade and Block Party on Saturday night and the Taste of Michigan City on both Friday and Saturday. Throughout the weekend, guests enjoy walking through Washington Park and chatting with owners, racers, and team members. Live entertainment, food and souvenir vendors, and family activities add to the fun.

The races are a stop on the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) annual race circuit, in which powerboat crews fight for national and world championships. In addition to the OPA’s involvement, Arnett also announced a new sponsor. “We are especially happy to announce Play Tradez as our 2022 Title Sponsor,” Arnett said. Play Tradez is a New York-based trading company that shares their algorithmic formulas and trading strategies with their subscribers through their registered investment advisors, he added.

“Bringing Play Tradez on board adds a new level of exposure for the race and certainly gives Play Tradez the ability to extend their brand across the country, as our race continues to lead the circuit in popularity,” Arnett said.

Organizers are gearing up for a full schedule in addition to the races and parade that includes Washington Park beach parties with live music, a vintage car show, a bags tournament, and a golf outing. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of free parking on Saturday and Sunday at Ames Field, 2501 Franklin St. with shuttle service provided. Overflow parking will be available at 1501 Wabash St . (the former St. Anthony Hospital parking lot). Several VIP events, including an opening party at Sunset Grille on Thursday and brunch Saturday and Sunday at the VIP tent on the Washington Park Boardwalk are planned. VIP tickets are in high demand, Arnett said, so extra tickets have been added.

Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry expressed enthusiasm about the annual event, saying, “The Great Lakes Grand Prix is such an important part of our special events calendar. Our community embraces our offshore powerboat friends, and I personally enjoy visiting with all the teams.”

“We celebrate the positive impact this event has on our local economy.” Parry added.

A report released by the CVB shows that the Grand Prix definitely continues to be an economic boom to Michigan City, with last year’s event setting a new record for both attendance and earnings. Out-of-town visitors contributed nearly $17.7 million to LaPorte County’s economy in 2021, compared to $13.6 million for the 2019 event, according to the report, prepared for the LaPorte County CVB by Certec Inc., a marketing analysis group based in Lexington, Kentucky. (The Grand Prix was not held in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.) In addition, local residents spent a total of $675,164 at the event.

Out-of-town visitors came from 12 different states, with about one-third visiting for the first time. Their spending generated $46 million in tax revenues, with $915,300 of that going to local government. Jobs generated by the Grand Prix provided more than $3.9 million in wages to LaPorte County workers. Food, beverage, shopping, and transportation accounted for 75 percent of expenditures.

Total attendance during the four-day celebration reached 249,400, easily topping the 2019 attendance of 190,000. Park attendance was 80,000 on Saturday and 90,000 on Sunday. The Taste of Michigan City drew a total of 30,000 visitors.

The report notes that tourism is a key component of the LaPorte County economy, and visitors to the Grand Prix took advantage of their time here by visiting destinations such as the Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa, the Washington Park Zoo, wineries, breweries, museums, and beaches.

The CVB also noted that the Michigan City AquaX Grand Prix jet ski races will take place July 9-10 at Washington Park. The LaPorte LakeFest AquaX Grand Prix jet ski races will be held July 30-July 31. 

For more information on the Aug. 3-7 Grand Prix, schedules, and shuttle service, as well as the Michigan City AquaX Grand Prix and LaPorte LakeFest AquaX Grand Prix, go to www.GreatLakesGrandPrix.com .

VIP tickets for the Grand Prix may be purchased by going to www.eventbrite.com/great-lakes-grand-prix-tickets .

Visit Michigan City Laporte

• July 19, 2024

Powerboat Racing Thrills, Exciting Family Fun Mark 15th XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix

• May 9, 2024

Sleek powerboats in brilliant colors zoom across Lake Michigan waters in a blast of spray while spectators on shore burst into thundering cheers. It’s fast. It’s fascinating. It’s fun. And it’s FREE! Welcome to the highlight of summer in Northern Indiana – The  XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix  in Michigan City. 

The whole family will love this fabulous week-long event, set for July 30-August 4 this year. Organizers plan a host of activities to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the award-winning extravaganza on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Naturally, the race itself is the top draw, featuring some of the world’s most powerful and fastest boats racing over the Great Lake’s ever-challenging waters at speeds nearing 200 miles per hour. A record number of race teams are expected this year. 

Get psyched for so much more in addition to racing thrills. Visitors will enjoy the bigger-than-ever boat parade and block party, live entertainment every day, festival food and drink, family activities, and a golf outing. Race enthusiasts get to meet the drivers too.

So set your sights on Michigan City and the best Race Week ever. The community is loaded with great lodgings, restaurants, and additional summer activities, so vacationers can plan a big summer trip filled with Grand Prix racing, special events, and enjoyment galore.

exciting launch

The Big Race happens at the end of this exciting week (see details below), but music, food, VIP events, and golf launch the festivities. Get in on the very first event Tuesday, July 30, at the Meet & Greet Racers Party, welcoming the racers and their families. Food and alcohol will be on hand. The next three days are filled with the official Ribbon Cutting, First Friday on Franklin Street, and free music in the evenings (Thursday, August 1: Rockdogs at the Sunset Grille and Aftermath playing classic rock and country at Washinton Park Beach; Friday, August 2: The Bones with classic rock, also at the beach). 

Terrific Tee-off

Break out those clubs Wednesday, July 31, for a fun foursome on the Michigan City Municipal Golf Course. The outing includes all drinks, lunch, prizes, and an afterparty. Proceeds go to the Michigan City Emergency Management volunteers, who are key in putting on the Grand Prix. 

go big - go vip

Love those extras with plenty of food and drink! The public is invited to the special events for a charge. They include the VIP Party at the Sunset Grille Thursday, August 1, and Brunch on the Boardwalk both Saturday and Sunday (August 3 and 4). Purchase tickets online at  www.eventbrite.com .

here comes the Big parade and party

Seeing the Grand Prix’s stunning powerboats parade down Franklin Street will take your breath away! They regally float by, so colorful and so BIG when viewed this close. The parade starts at 6pm Saturday, August 3, but there’s a whole day of fun before that amazing display, including races (see below). Best of all, everything except food, drink, and some games and rides are FREE!

Here’s what’s on tap for the day at the park and downtown: 

• Vintage Car Show
• Block Party – It’s bigger than ever with carnival rides, giant games, zoo petting, a bags tournament, Middle of the Road band music, and more. At the free Kids Zone, youngsters will love the caricature artists, face painting, balloon twisting, and games. For the adults: a bar and cigar lounge (21 and over), plus arcade games. 
• Music – Point’n Fingers play classic rock at the Washington Park Beach from 7 to 11pm.

finally - the races are on

Head for the shore and grab your spot at Washington Park Beach (see below for shuttle info) for the highlight of Race Week – the races! This spectacular, free show takes place from 10am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4. Talk about bigger than ever – some 65 to 75 race teams are expected to compete in 12 classes, with a full slate of racing each day. Some preliminary races will take place on Saturday, but there will be a full slate of qualifying races both days. To wrap up the week, Soul Shine will play at Sunset Grill at 4pm Sunday. 

schedule details

Tuesday, July 30

• 5pm – Meet & Greet Racers Party at Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity

Wednesday, July 31

• 11am – Golf Outing registration at Michigan City Municipal Golf Course
• Noon – Golf Outing – Shotgun start
• 5pm – Golf Awards & Afterparty at Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity

Thursday, August 1

• 5:30pm – Ribbon Cutting at Sunset Grille
• 6-8pm – VIP Party at Sunset Grille
• 6-9pm – RockDogs playing at Sunset Grill
• 7-11pm – Aftermath playing at Washington Park Beach

Friday, August 2

• Noon-10pm – Food Court Open
• 5-8pm – First Friday on Franklin – Downtown Michigan City
• 7-11pm – The Bones playing at Washington Park Beach

Saturday, Aug. 3

• 8am-3pm – Four A’s Vintage Car Show
• 9am-10:30pm – Free parking/shuttle Service at Blue Chip Hotel; Semi Lot along Highway 12
• 9am-10pm – Food Court Open
• 9am-4pm – VIP Tent Open on Washington Park Boardwalk; 10am-2pm Brunch Served
• 10am-4pm – Boat Racing
• 11am – National Anthem
• Noon-10pm – Block Party – Downtown Michigan City
• 6-8pm Boat Parade – Franklin Street from 9th to 4th streets
• 7-11pm – Point’n Fingers playing at Washington Park Beach

Sunday, Aug. 4

• 9am-4:30pm – Free parking/shuttle Service at Blue Chip Hotel; Semi Lot along Highway12
• 9am-5pm – Food Court Open
• 4pm – Soul Shine playing at Sunset Grille

For more information on Race Week, go to:  GreatLakesGrandPrix.com

getting around is a breeze

On both Saturday and Sunday, free parking and shuttle service are available at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa; Semi Lot along Highway 12. Free shuttle drops off and picks up at Washington Park and includes a 7th/Washington Street stop during the Block Party/Parade. There is a parking fee if festivalgoers park at Washington Park. See  emichigancity.com  for fees.  

Don't-miss Vacation tips

Plan a vacation around the Big Race Week in Michigan City, where sandy beaches and Lake Michigan waters invite summer adventures. 

Washington Park –  This outstanding park and beach might be packed on race days, but come early or stay an extra day or two to enjoy its many pleasures when the crowds diminish. A two-mile stretch of primo sand invites swimming, sunning, and beachcombing – an ideal place to while away a few hours or a full day (No pets allowed). The beach is backed by a shady 99-acre park with picnic tables, grills, shelters, and concessions. While you’re there:

Walk the pier – Get a closeup look at the 1904 East Light, Indiana’s only working lighthouse. 

Stroll and work out – Benches dot wooden walkways and sandy paths near the beach. Try out the fitness trail in the park.

Let the Kids Splash – Children frolic in the sprays and fountains at Oasis Splash Pad.  

Visit the Washington Park Zoo – Adjacent to the park, some 90 creatures make their homes here in natural habitats. 

See the Old Lighthouse Museum – Learn about lake history in this beautifully restored 1858 lighthouse and climb to the lantern room.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts – Right next to Washington Park, this art center features a high-quality, changing exhibition schedule in four galleries plus a collection of outdoor artworks.  

Vacations find plenty of options for overnight and longer stays in Michigan City and nearby LaPorte,  including boutique hotels, name-brand lodgings, and private rentals. Here are some options:

Private rentals – Connect with private cottage and vacation home owners through rental agencies such as Beachwalk Resort and Rentals in Michigan City, VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) and Airbnb (Air Bed and Breakfast). 

Blue Chip Casino, Hotel, Spa – Posh hotel rooms and suites in this well-known casino with several restaurants and 24/7 gaming.  

Brewery Lodge and Supper Club – A 12-suite boutique hotel secluded on a 40-acre wooded tract with a restaurant, craft beer, and wine bar.

4411 Inn and Suites – Comfortable suites with a fresh, modern look, ranging from king to three-bedroom. 

Bridge Inn – Contemporary lodgings with private sitting rooms, within walking distance of Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District.  

Name-Brand Hotels – Of course, your favorite name-brand hotels are available too. See Listing  Here .

Whatever you prefer, there’s an amazing array of special places to lay your head each night. 

Thanks to all the Sponsors for your continued support which makes the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix possible as well as a premier and exciting event!

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Great Lakes Grand Prix

August 04 - August 07, 2022

The 13th Annual Award-Winning Great Lakes Grand Prix features many of the world’s fastest and most powerful offshore boats racing on the southern shores of Lake Michigan along with exciting P1 AquaX racing. Throughout this action-packed free event, walk through Washington Park and chat with owners, racers and team members which also appear in the downtown boat parade and block party. All weekend long, enjoy live entertainment, family fun, food, drinks and RACING!

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Record Attendance for Powerboat Racing

Posted September 14, 2021 12:13pm by Stan Maddux

(Michigan City, IN) - The decision to expand Michigan City’s 2021 Great Lakes Grand Prix by continuing with the two races this year paid off in a big way for the community by setting records for both attendance and earnings, according to Visit Michigan City LaPorte Visitors Bureau.

A total of 249,400 people visited the 12 th  annual event held August 4 - August 8, generating $17.7 million for LaPorte County’s economy. “We were expecting good attendance, and we didn’t get disappointed,” said Jack Arnett, Executive Director of Visit Michigan City LaPorte “adding the AquaX events again was a big success, and we plan on growing that part of the event moving forward.” 

The Great Lakes Grand Prix, held on Lake Michigan on the southern shore of Michigan City’s Washington Park, features some of the world’s fastest powerboats racing at speeds nearing 175 miles per hour. Originally staged to showcase Michigan City and its lakefront, the race has become a top draw for visitors. 

“The Great Lakes Grand Prix is such an amazing event, and we are so lucky to have it in Michigan City at our beautiful lakefront. This event's impact on our economy is huge, but equally as important is the social impact. Michigan City comes together and shows what an incredible community this really is,” said Mayor Duane Parry.

The Economic Impact report is done by Certec, Inc, a marketing analysis group based in Lexington, Kentucky. The report shows that visitors from out of town, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Florida, spent $11.8 million this year on direct expenditures such as food, beverages, shopping, and transportation, accounting for a large portion of this year’s $17.7 million in earnings. In addition, residents attending the event contributed an additional $913,000 in direct spending. Jobs directly related to the Grand Prix provided more than $3.9 million in wages to LaPorte County workers. Arnett attributed some of the upticks in earnings and attendance to changes in 2019’s race, including staging races for two days instead of one. In 2019, we partnered with the American Powerboat Association putting the Michigan City race into a six venue racing series staged by the group. 

The association was formed when the world’s leading marine motorsport brand Powerboat P1 and the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) joined forces. In addition, Grand Prix organizers brought in AquaX, a group that promotes high-endurance jet-ski racing around the world. “The decision to go with OPA and bring in the extra day of racing with the AquaX jet-skis helped to push this to a new level,” Arnett said. “Other events occurring during the race weekend (The Taste of Michigan City, boat parade, food vendors, and entertainment) all contributed significantly to the Grand Prix’s overall success, the report showed. Thank you to all our sponsors, especially NIPSCO as our event sponsor. Our 13th year is scheduled for August 4 - August 7, 2022.

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XINSURANCE GREAT LAKES GRAND PRIX 2024

July 31 - august 4.

See the world’s fastest and most powerful offshore boats dash and splash along the southern edge of Lake Michigan, visible from Washington Park beach and shoreline. Meet boat owners, racers and team members staged throughout Washington Park. This free, action-packed weekend boasts a boat parade, block party, live entertainment, family activities, festival food and drinks and the ultimate in power-boat racing.

Stay tuned for the daily schedule which will be released later this year.

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Powerboat club races to 5 Lake Michigan towns for charity. Here’s where to catch them.

• Updated: Jul. 19, 2024, 11:56 a.m.
• | Published: Jul. 19, 2024, 11:48 a.m.

The West Michigan Offshore powerboat club is hosting a charity boat race and show to benefit Shields of Hope, a nonprofit by public safety officers helping those with cancer. On Friday, July 19, members will give powerboat rides to those receiving cancer treatment. On Saturday, July 20, a group of 55 powerboat racers will zip up and down Lake Michigan for a poker run. (Photo provided by Brian Caswell |Speedshot Photography) Photo Courtesy of Brian Caswell |Speedshot Photography

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GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A group of powerboaters is taking the waterways from Muskegon to Saugatuck this weekend to raise awareness and give cancer patients a day of fun on Lake Michigan.

The West Michigan Offshore powerboating club, based in Grand Haven, is hosting their annual Rock the Coast event − equal parts boat show, race and charity event.

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Boyne Thunder powerboats' roar returns to Northern Michigan waters this weekend

BOYNE CITY — The powerboats of Boyne Thunder are set to roar across Lake Charlevoix this weekend, July 12-13.

This popular event, which attracts thousands of spectators to Northern Michigan, kicks off in Boyne City and spans 150 miles through Charlevoix, Elk Rapids, Northport, Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor.

Hosted by Boyne City Main Street, Boyne Thunder is a powerboat poker run that offers participating enthusiasts a chance to experience the scenery of Northern Michigan and onlookers a chance to watch the colorful vessels fly through the water. In addition to the race, the weekend activities include a Friday Night Street Show in Boyne City.

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With 120 boats signed up this year, the slots for Boyne Thunder always sell out quickly, according to Ingrid Day, director of Boyne City Main Street. The event runs from noon on Friday to noon on Sunday, but boats will begin arriving at Boyne City marinas as early as Wednesday, said Day. They are scheduled to pass through Charlevoix's Round Lake and Pine River Chanel on Saturday morning, July 13.

"It's really wonderful to get caught up in this beautiful event, but I think it's important to remember that it is about the charities," Day said. "We are proud to show off our community and to know that we are making a difference."

Sixty-five percent of the proceeds go to local charities, such as Camp Quality and Challenge Mountain, averaging $150,000 each year. Camp Quality Michigan serves children with cancer and their families by providing year-round programs, experiences and companionship, at no cost. Challenge Mountain connects children, youth and adults living with disabilities to a wide variety of life-enriching recreational, cultural and social opportunities. 

Day also emphasized the importance of the event for Boyne City and other Northern Michigan communities, noting its role in bringing in tourists and boosting local businesses.

"We love what this event does for our town and it's a whole lot of fun to watch," she said.

Last year marked the event's 20th anniversary, and Day noted that the group of 11 people who organize the event works even harder for two weeks after Boyne Thunder to ensure the funds are able to be distributed in September.

"We do this for the charities and for Boyne City, but in the end, it really is for Northern Michigan as well," Day said.

For more information, contact Ingrid Day at (231) 582-9009 or visit boynethunder.com.

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and [email protected]