Lauderdale Aqua Skiers to hold alumni show at Babe Mann Park this weekend
By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
With temperatures expected to be in the upper 80s over the weekend, the Lauderdale Aqua Skiers are inviting the public to come out after a hot and dry day at the Walworth County Fair and join them for some wet and wild fun at Elkhorn Lake for their Alumni Show Saturday night.
Lauderdale Aqua Skiers Secretary Jeff Auberger said with having great turnouts so far this year, this marking the first year in many they’ve performed on Elkhorn Lake in Babe Mann Park, they’ve planned for one awesome event.
Auberger said the club has rented the park pavilion and tents, preparing to offer attendees brats, hot dogs, beer and wine and picnic-style sides. Additionally, Auberger said Saturday’s event will feature music, games and of course, a ski show with many of the club’s alumni starring.
The event’s an “all afternoon affair,” according to Auberger, kicking off with skier registration and open practice at 2 p.m. The alumni show itself is scheduled to kick off at 5:30 p.m. Food will be served from 4:30 p.m. until about 8 p.m. and music will continue right up to 11 p.m. at the park.
In addition to the ski show, the event will feature the annual Lauderdale Aqua Skiers 50-50 raffle drawing. Saturday is the last day to purchase tickets. Auberger said last year the winner took home more than $2,000.
While the annual Alumni Show is a good time for all and an opportunity for the club to showcase it’s efforts, Auberger said it also serves as an attempt to share a little bit about the club and possibly even spark some interest in young skiers.
“This Alumni Show can really help the community see more about what we’re all about,” he said.
About the club
The Lauderdale Aqua Skiers, a ski club based out of the Elkhorn and Lauderdale Lakes area, was formed in the 1950s when a group who loved to ski decided to perform for friends and neighbors, according to the club’s website.
The group performed a single, annual show, using their own boats and fuel, coinciding with the Lauderdale Regatta Day in front of the Sterlingworth Motor Hotel.
The team grew through the upcoming decades, adding costumes and more acts. With ski boats coming around in the 1980s, the team began competing in the State Show Ski Tournament.
Today, the club continues to grow as a water ski team, adding and refining its acts to keep pace with the sports and continuing to perform, now on Elkhorn Lake in Babe Mann Park as well as Lauderdale Lakes.
The club is a 501c(3) non-profit organization, focusing its efforts on education and charity. Throughout the year, the club takes on many fundraisers and is thankful for the generous support of its sponsors and audiences.
To learn more about the Lauderdale Aqua Skiers, their performance schedule, fundraising efforts and how to get involved, visit aquaskiers.com or the club’s Facebook page.
