DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — This weekend, Decatur is set to welcome thousands of visitors. With two major events in the lineup, organizers say these happenings are not to be overlooked.
It’s the Macon County Fair and Hardy’s Race for the Lake. Organizers said both events combined could help bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“It’s so exciting,” said Race Chairman Nikki Furlott. “Our boat racers love it here, and we love it.”
Furlott played a significant role in reviving the historic Hardy’s Race for the Lake. This boat racing tradition had vanished from Decatur for two decades but made its comeback last year. Furlott and her crew are eager to celebrate the event once more this year. Between eight and ten boats will compete on the lake, vying for a chance to clinch a national title.
“It’s pure exhilaration, pure happiness,” expressed Furlott. “We accomplished it together. We’re a large team; everyone contributed, put in the effort, and we made it come true. We’re absolutely delighted.”
But races aren’t the only thing the city has to offer. They’ll also have the Macon County Fair in town. Rides, fair food and new this year: people can show off their skills including in potted house plants, corn, jams and more.
“Not only do we have the boat races here, and the boat races are during the day from 10 a.m. to about 5 p.m.,” said Decatur Park District Executive Director, Clay Gerhard. “And so, there’s all kinds of time after 5 p.m. to go out to the fair and patronize them as well and show them support.”
Organizers said with both of these events happening on the same weekend, the city economic impact will add up to more than $100,000.
“Most of our hotels here in Decatur are full, which is always great as heads and beds,” Gerhard said. “That’s folks getting gas at our gas stations, eating food at our restaurants, so we know there’s going to be thousands and thousands and thousands of people here in Decatur this weekend.”
People from all over the world like Canada, Washington, Virginia and more are coming to race and watch the festivities.
“It’s going to be good competitive racing; it’s going to be a good time,” Furlott said. “Don’t let the weather scare you because we can race in the rain.”
The boat races started Saturday at 10 a.m. at Lake Decatur, and the fair gates closed at 10 p.m. on Friday, but opened back up on Saturday at 9 am. However, organizers did cancel the rodeo because of track conditions, and all ticket sales will be honored on Aug. 26.
