Kayak Competitions and Exhibitions
Eastern Mountain Sports of Traverse City has agreed to perform during the WaterFest. Provided proper conditions, kayakers will perform various individual tricks during the exhibition.
Eastern Mountain Sports, Traverse City, MI
Kiteboarding and Windsurfing Competitions and Exhibitions
Broneah of Traverse City has agreed to perform during the WaterFest. Provided proper conditions, both kiteboarders and windsurfers will perform various group and individual tricks during the exhibition.
Water Skiing Exhibitions
WakeBoard & WaterSki Teams will perform during the WaterFest. Provided proper conditions, the ski teams will perform various group and individual trick skiing and wakeboarding exhibitions.
Sand Castle Building Competitions
WaterFest will feature a sand castle building contest. There are several age categories and numerous prizes and giveaways with the grand prizes being a “Million Minute Giveaway” sponsored by Sprint iPCS.
To enter the Sand Castle building contest go to the Sprint Store at Grand Traverse Crossings across from the Grand Traverse Mall on South Airport Road. Complete a simple form and your entered in the contest. Rules, times and judging information will be provided at the store. There is no cost to enter the contest and all are welcome to participate.
This Sprint iPCS sponsored event is sure to be a crowd attracting and will likely set a new standard for sand castle building competitions in Northern Michigan.
Water Craft Competitions and Free Style Exhibitions
American Power Boat Association
WaterFest will feature the final event in a Midwestern regional series championship for all novice, amateur and Pro-Am personal water craft (Jet Ski) racing classes. Approximately 130 – 150 personal watercraft racing teams will come to Traverse City to compete in approximately 32 different racing and freestyle events. This event will determine the individual finalists for the Midwestern region who are qualified to move onto the national championships. The American Power Boat Association (APBA) is the sanctioning body for the race and provides the event insurance package.
PM Sports Marketing
Patrick Mell of PM Sports Marketing will be responsible for managing the race organization and officiating staff, securing permits, and managing the race officials. Patrick Mell has 14 years of experience running efficient and successful watercraft racing events, as well as a clear understanding of the importance of safety, reputation, image, and professional appearance. Patrick Mell has served as manager of the Midwest WaterCross Tour, Waterfest 2002, 2001 Pro WaterCross Tour, Marketing Manager for the American Power Boat Association and manager of the Great Lakes Challenge Tour. Patrick has 14 years experience managing watercraft events and a vast knowledge of the sport of personal watercraft racing.
Boaters Safety Classes
The Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Dept. has tentatively agreed (provided available money) to do Boaters Safety Classes from 8-11:00 AM Saturday and Sunday. Michigan conservation officers and Michigan county sheriffs encourage all persons operating boats in Michigan to enroll in a boating safety course.
Volunteer Boat Safety Checks
The Grand Traverse Power Squadron is a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-military organization of adult boaters and their families. The Power Squadron is comprised of men and women who have a common love and appreciation for the sport of boating. There are no barriers to membership on the basis of race, religion, or ethnic background. The national organization (The United States Power Squadron - USPS®) is comprised of some 50,000 members in approximately 450 squadrons in most states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands.. Organized in 1914, USPS® is the world’s largest private boating organization. Although the name may say "Power Squadron," sailors are welcome and 40% of our members are sailors.
The Grand Traverse Power Squadron has tentatively agreed to conduct on-site volunteer boat safety checks. Boat owners may dock their boat at the Holiday Inn during the event and knowledgeable members from the Power Squadron will inspect the boat from stem to stern with regards to boater safety items and required safety gear and equipment. This will be a valuable, yet free service to the public.
Environmental Conservation & Water Quality Information
Invitations have been submitted to the following organizations:
• Conservation Resource Alliance
• Grand Traverse Conservation District
• Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery
• Inland Seas Education Association
• Leelanau Conservancy
• Michigan Lakes and Streams Association
• T.A.R.T Trails
• The Watershed Center
• The Maritime Heritage Alliance
• NMC Water Studies Institute
