After a few uncertain weeks with the forest fires in the area the Ely Watercross Association is excited to announce that their annual race and concert will go on as scheduled. The popular summer event will celebrate its 21st anniversary as race weekend quickly approaches on August 7-9.
The races, which are sanctioned by the International Watercross Association (IWA) as part of the Midwest racing circuit, brings pro watercross racers from Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and even Canada.
Ely’s event is the second longest running race event on the circuit and draws around 800 spectators annually.
“Lots of people, even locals, camp for the weekend. It’s a fun party,” said event organizer Kristi Mattila, adding that around 80 racers take part in the event every year. Participants run in various classes from beginner to semi-pro and pro.
The weekend – hosted at the Longbranch in Winton – will kick off next Friday evening with an opportunity for locals and amateurs to show their skills on the water without committing to a full race season with the “Run What You Brung” event from 4-7 p.m.
Qualifying heats run on Saturday, while quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals all take place on Sunday.
The weekend will also have a Saturday evening concert by Pop Rocks.
Mattila describes the band as a “Hairball-style band” that sings rock, pop, and country from the 60s to the present.
A mechanical bull will also be onsite on Saturday for spectators to try their luck on. The longest ride will win a prize.
Racers and spectators will also have the opportunity to purchase a variety of IWA merchandise and snowmobile clothing, as well as food and drinks.
Visitors have the opportunity to purchase a day pass, weekend pass, concert ticket, or a pit pass to visit the race trailers.
“We have worked really, really hard from a pipe dream where my husband decided to race 24 years ago,” said Mattila, “He tried it, he got hooked, and then the following year, we’re like, you know what? We should do a race in Ely.”
Many other local racers have also found success in the sport, thanks in part to their proximity to the Ely Watercross event.
Mattila is appreciative of how far the race has come and the impact it has had on the local area.
“I’m really proud of being able to keep this event going for 20 years. I mean, to keep something going for 20 years, I think is huge, and it brings a bunch of people into Ely,” she said.
“To realize it’s still going, it’s kind of mind-blowing, I’m really proud of it and I hope we get a lot of support this year. It’s been a tough summer with tourism and events being cancelled due to the wildfires. We are proud and excited to host an event where people can come out and have some fun.”
Any wildland firefighters who would like to come to the race will be offered a day pass at no cost as a thank you for all that they have done to protect the town and surrounding community.
