Get ready for the BIGGEST weekend of the summer! It’s led by an international triathlon on Sunday. You’ll also find a major fishing tournament, marching bands, a sailboat race, two new stage productions and an outdoor basketball tournament. It’s all happening right here in Racine County. Come along with Real Racine.
Triathlon takes the spotlight. It combines a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bicycle race and a 13.1-mile run along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The 2017 edition of the Ironman 70.3 Racine triathlon has all that and much more! The elite athletes from all over the world will start at 7 a.m. Sunday with a swim near North Beach, 100 Kewaunee St. You’re invited to cheer them at North Beach and along the cycling and running courses. Look for the Real Racine “Spirit Station” in North Beach Park where volunteers will be giving away signs, thundersticks and pom pons. For more about the Ironman 70.3 Racine triathlon, including course maps, visit www.ironmanracine.com
Fishing the lake. Salmon-A-Rama, one of Lake Michigan’s biggest annual fishing tournaments, opens Saturday from Pershing Park, 500 Pershing Drive, on Racine’s lakefront. The 2017 tournament, which runs through July 23, offers dozens of opportunities for cash and prizes, including a guaranteed $25,000 grand prize for the largest overall fish. The SAR kickoff night, from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday includes an all-you-can-eat smelt fry and live music. Saturday is Kids Day from 1 to 5 p.m. with clowns, inflatables and games. The evening includes a fish boil and more live music. For the SAR entertainment lineup and tournament updates, visit www.salmon-a-rama.com
Two on stage. Choose from a pair of local stage productions opening this weekend. The Haylofters present the popular, award-winning musical “Cabaret” at the Malt House Theatre, 109 N. Main St., Burlington. Performances are Friday through Sunday. “Cabaret” can be seen on weekends through July 30. Visit www.thehaylofters.com or call 262-763-9873. The Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave., presents “Always, Patsy Cline”, based on the true story of the country music legend and one of her biggest fans. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday and runs weekends through July 23. Tickets at www.racinetheatre.org or 262-633-4218.
A windy race. The Racine Yacht Club, 1 Barker St., presents the 34th consecutive running of the Hook Race on Saturday. This sailing race runs 189.04 nautical miles from Racine to Menominee, Mich. You can see the start, featuring 40 to 50 sailboats, from near the Yacht Club at 8:30 a.m. The race is expected to wrap up late Monday afternoon. More at www.racineyachtclub.org
Marching here. Head to Horlick Field, 1648 N. Memorial Drive, at 7 p.m. Friday where the Lighthouse Brigade of Racine hosts the Mid-American Competing Band Directors Assn. semi-final competition. You’ll see field show marching competitions from bands throughout the Midwest. Tickets at the gate are $10 adults; $9 students and seniors.
Fast-paced ball. The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is back with exciting action for players and spectators alike. It all happens Saturday and Sunday in the parking lot behind Gateway Technical College, 1001 S. Main St., Racine. Play starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The half-court shot and the slam dunk contests wrap up the first day at 5 p.m. Sunday’s play starts at 8 a.m. The Macker benefits the Racine Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. Follow the fun at www.facebook.com/RPRCS or www.macker.com
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