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2TR
03-13-2009, 03:57 PM
OPA In Port Clinton Official Announcement

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


INAUGURAL “LAKE ERIE BOAT WEEK” SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2009
Port Clinton to Cap Summer of Lakeside Fun with National Event


(Port Clinton, Ohio – March 13, 2009) – A major, national event is coming to the north shore of Lake Erie! The inaugural “Lake Erie Boat Week” will be a week-long series of boating-related events and parties held in Port Clinton, Ohio, from September 1-6, 2009, culminating in an Offshore Performance Association (OPA) powerboat race on Labor Day weekend.

“I am excited and energized by the possibilities of this inaugural Lake Erie Boat Week event. It is a dream come true for me,” said Event Director Janie Vogel. “After envisioning and planning this event for around 10 years, it’s finally real. The minute I started talking about this new event, the entire region got behind it, offering help and support. It will be an amazing way to finish off a great summer season in the Lake Erie Islands area.”

Port Clinton, on the shores of Lake Erie in Northwest Ohio, was chosen as the location for the Lake Erie Boat Week event because of its reputation as a boating mecca and ideal summer vacation spot.

"The City of Port Clinton is very pleased to have been chosen to host the inaugural Lake Erie Boat Week event,” stated City of Port Clinton Mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester. “I have had many positive comments from the community since word of this event has been released, and have had many volunteers approach my office, ready to help get this new venture off the ground. We are working closely with the Lake Erie Boat Week staff to ensure that this event is not only going to boost our local commerce, but also enhance the profile of the entire region in general on a national scale. I am looking forward to working with Lake Erie Boat Week's organizers to make Port Clinton a home for this event for years to come."

The week-long celebration begins on Tuesday, September 1st, with the first day of a Powerboat Regatta for pre-registered pleasure boaters, and will include competitions in navigation, docking and maneuverability for skilled captains, along with on-shore parties and entertainment. The Powerboat Regatta continues through Thursday, September 3rd, when an Erie Elite “Fastest Boat on Lake Erie” Competition is held, a title that has never been bestowed, allowing boaters in each of 10 different speed classes a chance at bragging rights for the following year.

Thursday, September 3rd, the competitors and staff from the OPA will descend on Port Clinton, setting up in Racer’s Village, which will occupy the Waterworks Park and parking lot areas in downtown Port Clinton. The boating festival will continue on Friday, September 4th, when a huge Racer’s Welcome Parade will take place on the streets of Port Clinton, followed by an autograph session and Racer’s Welcome Party.

The first on-water action for the OPA regulars will come on Saturday, September 5th, when their 180-mph boats take to the shores of Lake Erie (just east of the Municipal Pier, about ¼-mile off shore) to test for the afternoon. Sunday, September 6th is Race Day, when the OPA rockets run their course for a nice purse, points and prestige!

“For anyone who has not visited this part of Ohio, you won’t want to miss Lake Erie Boat Week this year, as it will be a great reason to come to the Islands area and see all of the recreation the area has to offer, both on the shore and on the water,” Vogel exclaimed. “It really is a true vacationer’s paradise with something for everyone. And if you are a boater or water-lover, this is a must-see event - a truly great way to showcase our beautiful Lake Erie and all of its resources.”

Racer’s Village food and merchandise vendors will be open, and entertainment and other festivities will take place daily, open to the public for the nominal price of a wristband, except for opening day on Tuesday, September 1st, which will be designated “Port Clinton Community Day,” where all activities and areas will be open to the public for free. Walkways and beachfront areas line the shore, allowing spectators to spread out and set up a picnic for prime viewing of the racing activities, or to simply enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Grassroots boating enthusiasts around the country now have a way to get involved with this event by becoming a member of the “First 100 Club,” which will designate the first 100 people to support this inaugural Lake Erie Boat Week event through a donation of at least $250.00. A limited edition t-shirt will be given to these special supporters, and there will be other ways to commemorate their critical involvement throughout the week’s activities in supplying a sound financial foundation for this first-year event. See the official event website at www.LakeErieBoatWeek.com for additional information about how to become one of the “First 100 Club” members.

Volunteer Race Committee Captains and general event volunteers, volunteer boats, vendors and corporate partners (both trade and cash) are currently being sought for this inaugural Lake Erie Boat Week event. For more information on the event, or to become involved as a sponsor, vendor or volunteer, please contact Event Director Janie Vogel at racingpr@oh.rr.com, or visit the official event website at www.LakeErieBoatWeek.com. Information on the OPA Racing Series can be found at www.oparacing.org.


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Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores and Islands – www.ShoresAndIslands.com
All the fun of a genuine shore vacation is closer than you think. Nearly seven million people visit the Lake Erie Shores & Islands each year, solidifying its position as one of the most appealing vacation destinations in the Midwest. From Top-Thrill coasters to unspoiled natural coastlines, the Lake Erie Shores & Islands offers year-round fun and relaxation for the whole family. With a mainland area that spans from Vermilion, Ohio, to Genoa, Ohio, and inland, plus Kelleys, Middle Bass and South Bass islands, the Lake Erie Shores & Islands boasts more than 150 miles of freshwater coastline and some of the greatest attractions around.

Contact: Janie Vogel
Event Director, Lake Erie Boat Week
racingpr@oh.rr.com
www.LakeErieBoatWeek.com
fax (440) 471-7552

bajacleveland
03-13-2009, 11:24 PM
Should be a good event. To bad its at the end of summer.