Lake Erie Boat Week scuttled

PORT CLINTON, Ohio - The inaugural Lake Erie Boat Week was scheduled to set sail Sept. 1 in Port Clinton.

But the poor economy and other issues have anchored the event for this year.

Janie Vogel, event director, announced Wednesday afternoon the event will be postponed. She said Lake Erie Boat Week will have to wait until summer 2010 to make a splash on the national boat racing scene.

"We're just taking a step back to take a step forward," Vogel said shortly after the announcement was issued to local media. "The timing of this gave me about six months to put together a national event. I was pretty close to getting it done."

She said lack of support for the event and the state of the economy were two of several reasons for postponing the weeklong boating extravaganza. It was scheduled for Labor Day weekend at Water Works Park.

"I was incredibly disappointed, but it's a business," she said. "I had to make some hard decisions."

According to estimates provided by Vogel, the event was expected to bring $5 million to $10 million into the local economy.

She said she is finalizing details for next year's event, but could not discuss it until plans are finished.

She would not say whether she is committed to keeping the event in Port Clinton or whether it will again be scheduled for Labor Day weekend.

"I'm looking at all options with that," she said. "The event may change in direction... I tell people I'm getting a second chance to put on a first-year event."

She envisions a high-caliber week of festivities on the national stage that features high-power boat racing and other boating activities.

"Certain things were working, and certain things were not working," Vogel said. "But the overall scope will stay the same."

Port Clinton mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester and Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce president Laura Schlachter also expressed disappointment.

Hymore-Tester said the city safety personnel worked with Vogel on security plans, and the city provided a small portion of funding for the event.

"It's a big disappointment," Hymore-Tester said. "We have worked very hard at this end."

Schlachter said she is hopeful the event will happen in Port Clinton in 2010.

Vogel said the additional time will attract more sponsors, who will benefit from a whole year's promotions instead of just a few months.

She said she appreciated the support volunteers and sponsors had given her so far, and she hopes they will continue to work with her on the 2010 event.

She plans to post updates at lakeerieboatweek.com.

(Information from the Sandusky Register - a FOX Toledo News media partner)