Hardy's Race for the Lake boat races to bring business influx to community

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — With the annual Hardy's Race for the Lake Decatur boat races just weeks away, local business are preparing for the influx in business, and a projected economic boost with it.

Mirinda Rothrock, president of the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce, said that it's not just locals spending money to watch the races, but visitors and the racers themselves.

"If you think about a one-night hotel stay, you think about eating out, you think about filling up your car worth of gas. One person alone could be $300 to $350 in one day," she said.

The races will take place on June 6 and 7 at Nelson Park and Lake Decatur.

The Decatur Park District said that spectators can livestream event coverage through NowDecatur.com.

Lakeshore Drive from Lost Bridge Road to Cantrell Street into Nelson Park will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. June 5 through 5 a.m. June 8.

Boat slip renters can buy parking passes starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the park district's main office.

Additional event information is available on the Decatur Park District's website.