SHEBOYGAN – In the week since learning the Sheboygan powerboat racing event slated for the beginning of August was canceled, the city has pivoted to a car and motorcycle show.
The community can see vintage, classic and hot rod cars and motorcycles up close at Cruise and Brews, hosted at City Green, 710 New York Ave., and downtown from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 7.
The city said in a statement last week that the International Hot Rod Association canceled the Aug. 8-9 Midwest Challenge boat races because it couldn’t provide the “necessary staffing and operational support required to safely and successfully host the event.”
Travis Peterson, director of the Department of Public Works, told the Sheboygan Press, “To have this pulled out from underneath us very close to the event date makes it very frustrating.”
Still, Peterson said the city was determined to host some type of community event.
Some luck came after the city shared news about the cancellation on social media. Peterson said some car collectors suggested hosting a car show instead.
“It seemed like it was growing wheels of its own, so we wanted to see where it went,” Peterson said.
So far, more than 30 cars have been registered to participate. Peterson added that one team may be bringing up a handful of race boats to show, too.
Like the Block Party that kicked off the racing weekend the past three summers, Cruise and Brews will feature live music from Transmarobird, The Drugstore Cowboys and DJ Matthew Brulla, along with more than two dozen food trucks.
Several vendors will also take part, including Fond du Lac-based Mercury Racing, Oshkosh-based powersport vehicle dealership Team Winnebagoland, Brick and Mortar Hemp Company and Club Car Wash.
Sign up to display cars, motorcycles at show
Community members can show off their cars or motorcycles at the show. Individuals who are interested can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/3cd3mz54.
Drivers should arrive at the parking lot between Deland Park and the marina between 2 and 3 p.m. on Aug. 7. Vehicles will be escorted to the downtown area at 3:30 p.m.
3 Sheeps will still host Bites and Brews at King Park
No activities will take place along the marina, Deland Park or South Pier on Aug. 8 and 9, areas that served as spectator and vendor locations during previous boat races, Peterson said.
But 3 Sheeps Brewing is still planning to host its Bites and Brews event at King Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 8., featuring beer, seltzer and root beer. Food trucks, local vendors and live music will also be featured. The brewery was originally going to host festivities on Saturday and Sunday.
“For incredible community partners like 3 Sheeps to want to move forward, it just says so much about this community,” Peterson said.
Boat races’ return to Sheboygan in 2027 still uncertain
The city hasn’t decided if it will host powerboat racing next year, Peterson said, but he hopes the event will return because it’s become very unique to the area.
However, given the many months and staff hours that were dedicated to planning logistics — like road closures, vendor capacity, bathroom facilities and emergency response protocols — he said the city will have to assess if putting on the event, or a similar one, is a good idea.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan pivots to car show after canceled powerboat races
Reporting by Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press | USA TODAY Network
