History
The Grantsburg Lions Club held
its first Watercross competition in July 1977 when running snowmobiles over
water was a new and challenging past-time. The first race was simply held
to see who could make it from the island on Memory Lake in Grantsburg to the
shore, some 300 ft. away. Most didn't, but the winner did go about 500 ft.
In the years following, racers became more skilled and the machines more powerful.
Today they race both drags and ovals with a six-lap championship run. Over
100 racers compete in the various classes.
Location
Memory Lake is the site for the
Watercross. It is a small flowage created by a dam on the Wood River that
flows within a block of downtown Grantsburg. The Village of Grantsburg is
located in Burnett County, the nose of the "Indianhead" portion
of Wisconsin, about midway between Duluth-Superior and St. Paul-Minneapolis.
We are about 75 miles from the Twin Cities, 100 miles from the Twin Ports,
125 miles from Eau Claire, and 280 miles from Madison.
The Event
The racing portion of Watercross
includes drag and oval racing over water on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Races start
about 12:00 noon Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and run until about 4:30 p.m. The races are sanctioned
by the International Watercross Association (IWA), the professional racing
group. The Grantsburg Watercross is the "World Championship" race
within the IWA racing circuit, and our race is known as the "Granddaddy
of Them All" by the racers. As the event is an outdoor event we order
great weather each year and Mother Nature usually smiles on us.
Other
Features
Many displayers and vendors also
attend Watercross making their products and services available to the thousands
of spectators that attend. Food and beverage booths, a tremendous fireworks
display on Saturday at dusk, street dances on Friday and Saturday evening
featuring top-name regional bands, wrist-wrestling competition, and the Vintage
Snowmobile Club of America "Antique and Classic Snowmobile Show"
featuring over 100 unique and memorable snowmobiles are also part of the fun.
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Camping
Camping is available whether by
tent, camper or motor homes. Those who camped last year are given first chance
to reserve their site again this year but we always have plenty of room for
new campers. Call 715-463-4269 (h2ox) for camping information. Campers may arrive
after 10:00 AM on the Thursday before the event and must clear out by 10:00
AM on the Monday following
the event.
Who Enjoys
Watercross?
Watercross has truly become a family
event. Spectators come in all age groups, getting together to not only enjoy
the racing but all of the other activities. We provide security, plenty of
rest room facilities, lots of food available, medical personnel on hand, and
you'll find Grantsburg to be an extremely friendly community.
Area
Attractions
Grantsburg is on the southwest
corner of the 30,000+ acre Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, administered by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The DNR's Fish Lake Wildlife Area
is directly to the southwest of Grantsburg. The St. Croix National Scenic
Riverway, administered by the National Park Service, is four miles to the
west. Forts Folle Avoine historical park, located about 25 miles northeast
of Grantsburg, is a visit back through time to the fur-trading days. Grantsburg
has an outdoor community swimming pool, unique nine-hole golf course, and
an airport with a lighted 3000 ft. blacktop runway. During winter, Grantsburg
is a hub of the snowmobile trail system with Burnett County having hundreds
of miles of groomed trails connecting to the multi-county system.
Admission
Charges
Wristbands for the event can be purchased at all gates. The 3-day pass
wristband covers all days
of racing and admission to both street dances. Children ages 9 & under are
free.
Adult 3-day pass (ages 16 and over) ………………………............................ $20
Adult one day ………………………………….........................………….…...... $12
Friday night dance only (admission begins at the end of the
races)................$ 5
Young Adult 3-day pass or one Day (ages 10-15)………….....................……$12
Youth play area weekend
pass.............................................................................$5
We Do Ask
Your Help
Our goal is to make Watercross
fun for everyone who attends. Therefore we ask your help in observing our
rules. We do not allow any pets at the event or campground (an exception is
seeing-eye dogs for the sight impaired). Personal fireworks are not allowed.
We ask you to not bring carry-on coolers, bicycles, rollerblades, ATVs, radio-controlled
toys, water balloon sling shots, shade umbrellas or shade tents, chaise lounge
chairs, or other items that may hamper your neighboring spectators. We ask
you to not use profane language and that you conduct yourself respectfully.
Of course, we do not tolerate any weapons, intoxication, drugs, disorderly
conduct, consumption of alcohol by minors and other violations of law. Our
police officers are on hand at all times, and we are happy to report that
incidents of this nature are rare.
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