It’s finally that time of year again! One of the most extraordinary events Indiana has to offer, the Great Lakes Grand Prix, has officially returned to Michigan City for the 14th year in a row. On Thursday, August 3 Sunset Grille helped get this year’s Grand Prix off to a splashing start by hosting an unforgettable Great Lakes Grand Prix Ribbon Cutting and VIP Party. Local city officials cut the ribbon on one of Northwest Indiana’s most highly anticipated events of the year, while attendees from far and wide gathered to bask in their shared excitement.
Every year dozens of racing teams from all over the world come on out to Michigan City to put their skills, and their beloved boats, to the ultimate test in an intense boat race. The boat race is preceded by four action-packed days featuring everything from a golf outing, special VIP dinners, a one-of-a-kind car show, and even a boat parade and block party.
All the activities are meant to generate even more excitement for the event that brings in millions of dollars to La Porte County each year.
“Every year the Prix is just such a good time. It brings millions of dollars into the community, it brings people together. The race teams love Michigan City and we enjoy treating them like rockstars. We love having them here and this is just the start of what’s going to be a really exciting four days here,” said Jack Arnett, CEO of Visit Michigan City La Porte.
The Great Lakes Grand Prix Ribbon Cutting and VIP Party is always a huge hit, though, and this year was no exception. After city officials cut the ribbon on this year’s Grand Prix and said some heartwarming words, Sunset Grille served a delicious buffet that guests couldn’t get enough of. Both The RockDogs and Aftermath rocked the night away so people could dance until the sunset. There was ultimately no better way to welcome the boat racing teams to Michigan City.
“Tonight’s great because it gives us a chance to meet and mingle with all the racers. The racers always get so excited because they’re out on the water all day preparing, and then they come back and see so many people ready to support them. This is like their big welcome party,” said Linda Simmons, Marketing Director for Visit Michigan City La Porte.
Rick Wright, director of the Great Lakes Grand Prix, was overjoyed to see so many people eager for the weekend’s upcoming festivities.
“This event takes a full year to plan--as soon as the event ends we start planning the next year’s. I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights the last couple of months making sure everything is all put together, so seeing this amazing turnout of people and watching everyone talk and have fun and get excited about the upcoming days is awesome. I couldn’t be happier,” said Wright.
An overwhelming excitement hung in the air. Everyone couldn’t help but share what celebrations they’re looking forward to the most.
“I can’t wait for the block party and the boat parade. It’s so cool--the race teams go up and down Franklin Street and interact with the crowd and hand out things to everyone. Then they come back and park their boats so the kids can climb up in them and take pictures and ask the racers questions. There’s so much interaction and I love it--that’s my number one thing every year,” said Arnett.
One look at all the smiling faces on Sunset Grille’s terrace proved one thing: the 14th annual Great Lakes Grand Prix was off to a strong start. Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without all of this year’s amazing sponsors including Xinsurance, the Grand Prix’s title sponsor, Visit Michigan City La Porte, NIPSCO, 1st Source Bank, Horizon Bank, Patrick’s Grille, Sunset Grille, and so many others.
If you missed tonight’s VIP event don’t worry: there is so much more fun in store. On Friday, August 4 a race team welcome party will be held from 6-10 p.m. The band Nawty will also come and play all kinds of classic Motown jams from 7-11 p.m. Things will pick back up on Saturday, August 5 with a vintage car show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A VIP Brunch will be hosted by Sunset Grille from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Boat time trials will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a block party will be held from 12-10 p.m, and the eagerly awaited boat parade will run from 6-8 p.m. The night will wrap up with some awesome jams.
Lastly, Sunday, August 6 will feature another delicious VIP Brunch and some intense boat racing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Grand Prix will officially close with some tunes brought by Kasim Whiting Duo.
So, grab a sunhat, your favorite pair of flip-flops, and a buddy or two--this weekend’s Great Lakes Grand Prix is one you definitely won’t want to miss.
“I’ve been to all kinds of races all around the world and I can confidently say that we have the best venue. There’s no comparison to our beautiful lake. You can park close, the boats don’t have to travel super far, and the attendees don’t have to travel super far--there’s just nothing like it,” said Wright.
To learn more about everything the Great Lakes Grand Prix has in store, visit https://greatlakesgrandprix.com/.
To learn more about Sunset Grille, visit https://sunsetgrilleatthebeach.com/.
