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Boat race festivities begin this week

Fast and furious

Submitted Photo The Great Lakes Grand Prix Boat Race in Dunkirk will kickoff this Friday with a community parade down Central Avenue. Test trials will go on Saturday with racing set for Sunday. An intermission period will see an aerobatic performance by Rich Volker.

From jet skis and pontoons to fish and speed boats, the shores of Lake Erie in Dunkirk attract a variety of watercraft during the warm season. But come later this week, the waters will welcome boats more fast and furious in nature — and unlike anything the city waterfront has ever seen.

Racers from around the world are expected to make their way to Dunkirk’s waterfront for the Great Lakes Grand Prix Boat Race Aug. 17-19. Featured will be some of the world’s fastest and most powerful boats racing on a 4-nautical-mile course.

While speed boats race all around the U.S., they usually compete along the east coast. The boats have raced in Lake Erie before, however, as they competed in the Mentor Offshore Grand Prix at Headlands Beach State Park in Ohio last month.

Attendees coming to the racing event Aug. 18-19 will be able to witness racing action from Point Gratiot to Wright Park. Some of the best views will be from Main Street along the waterfront to Wright Park, according to Hector Rosas, city festivals and special events coordinator.

“I foresee huge participation and great attendance,” Rosas said.

Mayor Willie Rosas says there’s much excitement in the city and waterfront. With the grand prix making its way to the city, Rosas said it’s going to be a huge event the city hasn’t seen before.

“We expect a lot of tourists and the economic boost will be similar to the air show,” Mayor Rosas said.

Following this Thursday’s Music on the Pier, grand prix festivities will begin Friday with a community parade at 5 p.m., showcasing speed boats competing in the race. The procession will venture down Central Avenue to the pier.

Power boats will be on the water for testing Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Racing begins at noon on Sunday. Aerobatic acts by Rich Volker will take place Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Coinciding with grand prix events will be Beach Bash. Held Aug. 18-19, the bash will welcome back world-renowned sand sculptor Dan Belcher.

Dunkirk Access on Youtube.com will stream the event live, and people can also visit Race World Offshore’s website for viewing. CBS Sports will be telecasting the event for viewing in 105 countries.

VIP tickets are available for purchase in advance of the grand prix by visiting the Dunkirk Special Events Office at 338 Central Ave., Suite 210. Advance sale tickets are $50 or $100 on the day of the event. It includes food catering, live coverage of the event, possible pictures and autographs with racers, up close view of CBS Sports interviews and cash bar.

Free parking will be provided at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds on Central Avenue. A shuttle will provide transportation to the waterfront.

For more information, visit the Dunkirk Festivals and Special Events’ Facebook page or visit www.raceworldoffshore.global/dunkirk.

Presenting sponsors of the Great Lakes Offshore Grand Prix are DFT Communications, Athenex and Lake Shore Savings Bank. Event sponsors include H&K Services, Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Chautauqua County IDA, Chautauqua County, ECR International, SUNY Fredonia, Lawley Insurance, Bart’s Cove, Spike Dailey’s, Agricultural Transport, Fredonia Beaver Club, Dunkirk Memorial Post 62, Dunkirk Memorial Post 62 Auxillary, NCCF, Dunkirk Falcon Club, Fredonia Technology Incubator, Chautauqua Opportunities, Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce and Hispanics Organized for Progress (HOPE).

Mayor Rosas would like to thank all agencies involved to keep the event safe. They include the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Homeland Security, New York State Police, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Dunkirk City Police Department, Chautauqua County Emergency Services, Dunkirk Fire Department and Dunkirk Department of Public Works.

For more information, visit Dunkirk Festivals and Specials Events’ Facebook page or Dunkirk Great Lakes Offshore Grand Prix.

The following is a schedule of notable events during the Great Lakes Offshore Grand Prix:

Friday

Parade starts on Central Avenue at 5 p.m.

Mayor Willie Rosas welcomes Race World Offshore and race teams at the city pier around 5:45 p.m.

Music from Red Rhythm/Eminence Front from 6-9 p.m. at the pier

Saturday

Boat test trials from noon to 4 p.m.

Music The Freeze/The Rising from 5 to 9 p.m. at the pier

Sunday

Racing beings at noon

Intermission for aerobatic performance by Rick Volker from 1-1:20 p.m.

Racing resumes at 2 p.m.

Music from Counterfeit from 3 to 5 p.m.

Race World Offshore awards at 5 p.m. at the pier.

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