National Championship Boat Races This Weekend on Lake DePue

     The boat races are back on Lake DePue.  This weekend marks the 27th consecutive year of the APBA Pro National Championship Boat Races.  The event sponsored by the DePue Men’s Club runs through Sunday, with over 200 boats entered from 22 states.  Publicity Chairman Eric Bryant says 35-thousand people attended last year’s races and they expect at least that number this time.  This year’s event is extra special, as the Village of DePue is celebrating its 150th anniversary this week.  Championship boat racing starts at Noon today and tomorrow, and at 12:30 on Sunday.  Besides racing, other attractions include food stands, music, games, raffles and free musical entertainment.  A Carnival begins at 1:00 today and tomorrow, and at 11:00 on Sunday.  Today’s activities include a chalk-drawing contest at 10 am and music by “Last Call” from 8 to midnight.  Tomorrow’s events include a 5-K Walk-Run at 8 and music by “One Night Stand” from 8 to midnight.  On Sunday, a Car Show is held from 8 to 1 on Railroad Street and raffle drawings wrap things up at 6:30.  Daily admission is three-dollars.  WZOE-AM 1490, is broadcasting on-location from the boat races both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.