By Staff
The adrenaline rush that grips your chest as you pull past your competitor and head into the final stretch is a feeling Indy drivers know well.
If you, too, would like to experience that same rush of excitement, the opportunity is yours during the upcoming July 28-30 Dowagiac Fun Fest, as Indy-styled racing returns to the Main Street boulevard.
This popular spectator's event on Saturday, July 30, which is sponsored by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and coordinated this year by Brad Yazel of Groner Funeral Home, opens its sixth season of racing.
Sponsorship of the first driver is $200, with the fee for additional drivers being only $75.
Yazel said all race drivers must be at least 18-years-old and will be asked to sign an athletic liability waiver.
Traditionally, the Mini Grand Prix welcomes 20 to 25 race car drivers.
Businesses or individuals who would like to sign up for the race are asked to call Yazel at Groner Funeral Home at 782-2128 or Vickie Phillipson at the Chamber of Commerce at 782-8212.
The gasoline-powered race carts, made of a fiberglass body, are similar to those used at family fun parks.
Should a driver cause an accident on the course, he or she will be disqualified from the race or shifted to the rear of the line-up."
Yazel will hold a mandatory meeting with all drivers on race day to acquaint them with the course and regulations. The meeting will be held just prior to the 1 p.m. start of the race.
Spectators will be restricted to the sidewalks along Main Street, where they may view the race.
Yazel said the event will be announced on-site so that business sponsors and their drivers will be acknowledged throughout the competition.
Festival Chairman Vickie Phillipson, who is the program director of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, said the three-day festival is being underwritten by the following corporate sponsors: Drs. Charles Burling and Jonathan Gillesby, Creative Vinyl Signs, Felpausch Food Center, Franklin and Son, Leader Publications, Mennel Milling Co. of Michigan, Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, Southwestern Michigan College, St. Denys Foundation and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.
This year's Fun Fest features approximately 45 hours of live vocal and instrumental music; the new Children's Entertainment Tent; amusement rides and midway of Family Fun Tyme; Starwalk children's games; the Vertical Challenge Climbing Wall; summer sidewalk sales with community, commercial and craft booths; festival food court; and the 31st anniversary of Steve's 5K and 10K Run, 5K Walk and its Children's Fun Run.
New this year, with Dowagiac Little League hosting the Senior League State Boys Baseball Tournament that weekend, the opening ceremony and dinner for tournament families will be held at the festival site on Thursday evening, July 28.
Fun Fest is one of seven seasonal festivals and promotions that are hosted each year by the Chamber of Commerce.
To receive a schedule of events or to book a booth at Fun Fest, call the Chamber of Commerce at 269/782-8212.