Marble Falls chamber clears way for Lakefest return in 2020

Special to The Highlander

The Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce has vowed to reboot the formerly shelved Lakefest Drag Boat Race event for 2020 due to renewed partnerships with an alternative drag boat association and the Marble Falls community, officials said.

The upcoming event will be handled as a cooperative endeavor with the Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) and the city of Marble Falls.

“Organizers will be working diligently between now and next year to plan, promote, and provide an awesome two-day experience in our newly renovated parks for Lakefest 2020,” according to an April 22 statement from the chamber.

For about 25 years, thousands of spectator had gathered on the Lake Marble Falls shoreline in Lakeside Park to view drag boat races over a three-day period the first weekend in August.

The event was considered an economic boost to sales tax and hotel/motel tax funds due to the influx of racers and visitors from around the country.

Officials first canceled the event for 2018 due to a failed contract agreement between Lucas Oil and the chamber.

According to the release, considerations for the event began again with a new partnership with SDBA for 2019; however, current construction at Lakeside Park hastened organizers to plan for the following year.

“We feel that in August there will still be a lot of work to be completed in Lakeside Park and the traditional boat race viewing areas just won’t be ready for a lot of foot traffic," City Manager Mike Hodge said in the press release.

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