Anna Mancuso Naquin
April 30, 2008
Edna Mae Westbrook Smith Guilfore
May 2, 2008
Imagine you’re standing a few feet from a lake’s edge. Close enough to see the lake water’s spray onto the beach.
As you look up, five, no 10 powerboats – side by side – are heading in your direction. And, as they make their way closer, you hear the rumble of the engines as the speeding watercraft cut the water at 100 mph, turning in a movement that sprays a forceful, yet elegant mist of water in your face.
Welcome to the 2008 Atchafalaya Eastern Divisionals of the American Power Boat Association, set for Memorial weekend, May 24, 25 and 26, along Lake Palourde in Morgan City.
“It’s going to be three days of Nascar on water,” Oren Dupre, president of the Morgan City Power Boat Association said. The Morgan City chapter of the American Power Boat Association is the host of this year’s event, along with the New Orleans Power Boat Association chapter of the APBA.
The event stretches over an area that can hold 8,000 people, vehicles, boats and campers.
Dupre said he is expecting racers from all four corners of the country and Canada.
All races will use a clock, and the 5-mile course is approved for records.
The four-lap race includes all inboard classes each day, with the divisional champ being decided on Monday, May 26.
The grand-prize winner will nab $30,000. Other prizes include $300 to all legal starters as tow money, with the remainder to be divided among 13 different classes; $300 to the 1st place winner, $200 to the 2nd place winner and $100 to the 3rd place winner in each, respectively.
Trophies will also be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place results of the Eastern Divisional Event on Monday, May 26, pending approval of inspection.
Racers can register Friday, May 23, at the Days Inn in Morgan City, from 4 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, May 24, in the pit area, from 7 to 9 a.m. Cell training is set for Friday, May 23, from 4 to 7 pm, poolside at the Days Inn.
Karla Byron, a local festival organizer who is working part-time with the event, said he is anticipating lots of food booths from local vendors.
“Everyone can expect great Cajun food and lots of southern hospitality,” Byron said.
Frances Dupre, Oren’s wife, said the event will also feature two nights of music, on Saturday, May 25, locals De’ Ja’ Vu, and on Sunday, May 26, Vince Anthony and the Blue Notes. Both bands will take the stage just after dusk, and the event is free to the public.
However, there is an admission to watch the boat races: $10 per day. Advance tickets can be purchased for $8 per person, per day, at any Morgan City Bank, American Supply or Flower Fashions.
Children ages 12 and under can enter the festival grounds for free.
The pirate themed children’s area will feature Captain Papillion, who will perform magic acts and other activities.
There will also be a children’s parade through the festival grounds, a coloring contest, and the crowning of “Mr. Powerboat and Little Miss Hydro,” Siracusa said.
For more information on the festival, call Dupre at (985) 498-2926 or Bruce Broussard at (985) 384-3000.
