Maple City Grand Prix Fans Get ‘Welcome to La Porte’ With Block Party and Parade

Maple City Grand Prix Fans Get ‘Welcome to La Porte’ With Block Party and Parade

Ask any citizen of LaPorte what we are all proud of and they will name a lake. We have nine different lakes to watch the sun set over, we are renovating our shores, and once a year we host one of the biggest races in the Formula One Powerboat Tour: the Maple City Grand Prix. Kicking off the weekend long event with a parade is our special touch.

This has been our honor four years in a row. Each year the crowds swell past expectation and more boats are added to the lineup. More racers come to LaPorte than any other course in the circuit.

Click here to see all the photos from this year's Parade and Boat Race!

“They come to compete,” said Downtown Director at La Porte Chamber of Commerce Thaddeus Cutler, “They race in the event, and a lot of times it’s easy for them to get caught up in the competition. So [the parade] is kinda like a big ‘Welcome to LaPorte and thank you for being here, and bringing your families.”

The parade down Lincolnway and back around State street has always been followed by a block party. The June 2016 race weekend was the first to be organized by the City of LaPorte, led by Director Cutler and Brett Binversie, instead of a private business.

“It gives this race a little more of a LaPorte feel,” said Binversie, Director of the Civic Auditorium. “I love it. We’ve gotten to know that people from outside come here and love our area.”

Binversie and Cutler made small changes with big impacts. Every band for the entire weekend was a local one, each with its own fanbase eager to come out and show support. Ogle’s Inn, a LaPorte bar, was invited to serve the adults at the party.

They were helped by the Grand Prix’ three co-chairs: Laura Cutler, Clarence Walsh, and Karyl Machek.

“Look at this,” said Machek, a member of City Council. Her gesture encompassed a dancing, weaving mass of LaPorte citizens blending cheerful tourists into their crowd. “I think it’s a wonderful thing for LaPorte because it brings the people out. We’re a close town.”

She said that getting radio stations to come out and join the fun was a big deal because they bring even more people with them. More visitors means an increase in business for our restaurants, hotels, and stores. The economic surge was a blessing but the most important part of the celebration was that it gets us together.

“I think it’s good for the city,” said Rick Ogle, “Because it brings more people out where they can integrate. They have more social contact than before. It’s important for any community to know how everyone thinks and interacts.”

Ogle so believes in the importance of the Grand Prix Block Party that he did not merely accept his invite. He donated his time and his bar to the festivities.

Other entertainment included food trucks, a row of carnival games, and a pair of bounce houses. ‘Pointin’ Finger’ deafened the parking lot with country tunes and classic rock.

“It’s great to see how this event has grown,” commented LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo.

That was just day one. The big race is on Sunday and its contestants spend all Saturday running time trials in Stone Lake. The entire town is invited to watch as we show off our stunning waters for the fourth year in a row.