Powerboat racing returns to Sheboygan
There will be road closures, multiple viewing spots and free rides
SHEBOYGAN — For the third year, the highly anticipated Mercury Midwest Challenge is returning to the Sheboygan Lakefront.
This weekend’s event promises a thrilling and fun-packed event with the highest caliber of international powerboat racing. The races will take place alongside festivities across Sheboygan’s Lakefront. Kicking things off is a block party beginning at 6 PM in Downtown Sheboygan. Powerboats and watercraft will be on display, a variety of food and drink options will be available for purchase.
READ MORE: King Park to host two-day waterfront celebration
This year, city officials are encouraging the public to view the powerboat races from King Park, South Shore Park and the South Side Municipal Beach. To further encourage attendance, an event called Boats, Bites N’ Brews will take place at General King Memorial Park from 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.
Street closures
There will be several street closures this weekend due to the powerboat races.
The following Downtown Sheboygan streets will be closed starting at 3 PM on Friday, August 8th and will reopen just before Midnight:
North 8th Street between Center Avenue and Niagara Avenue
North 7th Street between Center Avenue to Niagara Avenue
New York Avenue between North 8th Street to North 6th Street
Wisconsin Avenue between North 7th Street to North 6th Street
Broughton Drive between Pennsylvania Avenue to Ontario Avenue will be closed from 6 AM on Friday, August 8th until the completion of the event on Sunday, August 10th. Pennsylvania Avenue will also be closed at North 4th Street.
South 7th Street between Georgia Ave to Highland Avenue will be closed as well as Lakeshore Drive between High Avenue and Ashland Avenue. Those closures will be in effect from 6 AM on Saturday until the end of the day on Sunday.
Access to the South Pier District will also be restricted to motor vehicles.
Beach and boat launch closures
The Harbor Centre Marina and the Lakefront Public Launch Facility will be closed until Monday, August 11th. Boaters should instead use the 8th Street Launch Facility at South 8th Street and Riverfront Drive. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a safety zone will be in effect on Lake Michigan between 8 AM and 6 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This zone is established to protect participants and vessels involved in the high-speed boat races. Entry into the safety zone is prohibited without authorization from the Captain of the Port (COTP) Lake Michigan.
Parts of the Deland Park Beach will also be closed to the public on Saturday and Sunday to allow for the launch of jet skis.
Free shuttle service
Due to several street closures and thousands of spectators expected to flock to Sheboygan’s Lakefront, there will be free shuttles provided by Shoreline Metro from Sheboygan South High School and 3 Sheeps Brewing.
READ MORE: Free trolley rides this weekend in Sheboygan
Spectators are encouraged to park their vehicle in the South High School parking lot on Washington Avenue or 3 Sheeps Brewing. Buses will depart the parking lots at the top of each hour: 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM.
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