LakeFest drag-boat races rumbling into Marble Falls
FROM STAFF REPORTS
MARBLE FALLS — There’s no way around the excitement. The 23rd annual LakeFest invades Marble Falls on Aug. 8-10. And if you’re wondering if the boats are on the water, just roll down your window and have a listen.
You hear that roar? That means the drivers are racing their drag boats down Lake Marble Falls. If you want to join in the excitement, you still have time. Tickets are available at www.marblefallslakefest.com, at the gate or by calling the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce at (830) 693-2815.
LakeFest is one of the big races in the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series and Southern Drag Boat Association Series. The event draws racers from across Texas and beyond.
While the races start Saturday with the finals on Sunday, you don’t have to wait until then to get a dose of fun. The drivers and crew spend Friday prepping their craft during the Test & Tune.
While getting into the race area at Lakeside Park, 307 Buena Vista Drive, requires a ticket, one of the greatest things about LakeFest is the open pits. People are welcome to check out the boats and observe the crews in Johnson Park, 230 Ave. J South.
You can watch as the crews make adjustments to prepare the boats for the races. Several of the teams even sell T-shirts and other items.
But one of the fan highlights of the entire weekend is 6-9 p.m. Friday when racers and crews gather in the park for Show & Shine.
Show & Shine allows fans to mingle with the crews, ask questions, pose the racers and get up close to the high-tech watercraft.
The highlight of Show & Shine comes near dusk when the top fuel craft fire up. Flames erupt from engines, lighting up the night and making for some great photos.
There also will be live music after Show & Shine.
There is no admission fee for Show & Shine. Uust show up and have fun.
For those looking to watch the races, gates open at 7 a.m. Friday with the boats hitting the water about 9 a.m. for Test & Tune.
On Saturday, the gates again open at 7 a.m. with qualifying races running all day.
Though gates open 7 a.m. Sunday, the finals don’t get started until 11 a.m. with an opening ceremony. But then, the boats — especially the top fuel hydros that can hit 260 mph — rip down the lake, giving folks a thrill.
When it’s all over, organizers will award more than $100,000 in prize money.
Tickets are $10 on Friday for adults (13 and older) and children (6-12); $25 on Saturday and Sunday for adults and $10 for children; and $45 for three-day passes for adults and $20 for children.
Go to www.marblefallslakefest.com or call (830) 693-2815 for more information.
editor@thepicayune.com