LakeFest a roaring success
Frank Shubert/The Highlander
Drag boats fairly leap from the water and down the quarter liquid race track of Lake Marble Falls during LakeFest. Check the winners in this story and see photos and videos of the event on the The-Highlander Facebook page. Like us and keep up with all the news.
By Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
The 26th annual LakeFest was a success on all fronts.
The roar of engines that echoes from Lake Marble Falls up and down the Highland Lakes on the second weekend of August each year has become familiar, but the attraction seems to grow.
“We saw more of everything,” said Patti Zinsmeyer, executive director of the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce, host of the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Races on Lake Marble Falls, Aug. 11-13.
“We saw more entries—112 this year. “We saw far more people. The Spectator crowds were bigger each day compared to past years. Lakeside Park was packed.
“We estimate, over the three days, there were more than 25,000 spectators. That is not counting all the families and crew members for the racers or people who watch from the bridge or homes or places like Riverview RV park on the south side of the lake.”
“As usual, the drivers and crews put on a great show,” said Marble Falls Mayor John Packer. “I watched the last of those top fuel races from near the finish line. It is exciting
“I think it is a great event for the city.”
Zinsmeyer said two types of businesses especially see an uptick with business during the races—restaurants and hotels.
“It was a big weekend for us, with the races and the last sessions ending at Camp Champions and Camp Longhorn,” said Brent Klett, general manager of the Blue Bonnet Cafe. “We especially recognize LakeFest crews at breakfast, getting a big bite before they stand in the sun all day.”
Hoteliers had good reports as well.
“We are proud to report another successful sold-out weekend for the 18th year in a row,” said Peggy Franklin, general manager of Hampton Inn on the Lake. “We are so fortunate to have a loyal, repeat customer base that attends LakeFest year after year.
“The people attending are devoted racers and fans that travel the country to attend events such as this. We hear time and time again how the City of Marble Falls and the Chamber of Commerce far outshine other locations.
“In addition,” she continued. “The hotel receives much praise for our added efforts such as security detail to guarantee reserved parking, buffet style meals, souvenirs, and down-home Texas Hospitality.”
The answer was the same from the northernmost accommodations.
“We were quite busy,” said Raj Reddy, general manager of Motel 6 on Ollie Lane. “Some were from LakeFest here, also.”
(See photos and videos of the event on the The-Highlander Facebook page. Like us and keep up with all the news.)
This year’s winners included:
TFH - Bryan Sanders, Nitrochondriac TAH - Travis Tutle, Short Fuse
TAF - Tony Scarlata, Shazam
PM - Mike Lamb, Just 1 More
PO - Gus Ward, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot PE - Ray Males, Blue Thunder
QE - Tommy Rice, Electro Freeze Special TE - Vic Fugate, Lunatic Friends
ME - Austin Fugate, Minor In Possesion SE - Steve Walls, Sotally Tober
RR - Andrew Decker, N-2-Deep
PWC - Nate Stephenson, Dominator
