Michigan is gearing up for the eighth annual Great Lakes Grand Prix featuring the biggest, fastest, loudest performance boats in the nation. With 4 days of events planned from parades to parties, and tons of food and drinks to enjoy during the races, the city is expecting this to be bigger than ever with an absolute overflow of crowds.
The “Taste of Michigan City” is scheduled to begin on Friday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 11 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The “Taste” will be held on Franklin Street between 7th Street and 4th Street, with a free shuttle loop running from Washington Park and Taste of Michigan City at 4th and Franklin Street. A continuous free shuttle service will run from Washington Park and Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa both Saturday and Sunday. Due to expectations of large crowds, visitors are asked to advantage of the free parking and free shuttle.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a vintage car show in Washington Park presented by Four A’s Car Club.
On Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m., the Boat Parade & Block Party will begin in downtown Michigan City. The boat parade will travel north on Franklin Street from 10th Street to 4th Street.
Here you can meet the race teams and get a close-up look at the boats. There will be no entrance fee to the event and the party will include a “Taste of Michigan City” featuring local restaurants, sponsored by the Michigan City Mainstreet Association.
On Sunday, there will be a charity silent auction on the east end of the boardwalk next to the VIP tent from 10am until 10 minutes after the last race. All proceeds from this auction will be split between the LaPorte County Growing up Green Program and the Michigan City High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.
After spending time at the event’s first three days getting to know the racers and their boats, spend Sunday rooting for the team you’ve adopted as your favorite. Racing begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, with two races.
