DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Thousands of people are coming to the City of Decatur this weekend. It’s for two of their biggest events, and organizers said you don’t want to miss it.

It’s the Macon County Fair and Hardy’s Race for the Lake. Organizers said both events combined could help bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“It’s so exciting,” said Race Chairman Nikki Furlott. “Our boat racers love it here, and we love it.”

Furlott played a huge part in bringing back Hardy’s Race for the Lake. It’s a boat race tradition that left Decatur 20 years ago, until last year. Now, Furlott and her team are ready to celebrate this year once again. Eight to 10 boats will be on the water facing off to have a chance at a national title.

“Pure excitement, pure joy,” Furlott said. “And again, we did it. And it took all of us, so we’re a big team, we put in the work, we made it happen, and we are so thrilled.

But races aren’t the only thing the city has to offer. They’ll also have the Macon County Fair in town. Rides, fair food and new this year: people can show off their skills including in potted house plants, corn, jams and more.

“Not only do we have the boat races here, and the boat races are during the day from 10 a.m. to about 5 p.m.,” said Decatur Park District Executive Director, Clay Gerhard. “And so, there’s all kinds of time after 5 p.m. to go out to the fair and patronize them as well and show them support.”

Organizers said with both of these events happening on the same weekend, the city economic impact will add up to more than $100,000.

“Most of our hotels here in Decatur are full, which is always great as heads and beds,” Gerhard said. “That’s folks getting gas at our gas stations, eating food at our restaurants, so we know there’s going to be thousands and thousands and thousands of people here in Decatur this weekend.”

People from all over the world like Canada, Washington, Virginia and more are coming to race and watch the festivities.
“It’s going to be good competitive racing; it’s going to be a good time,” Furlott said. “Don’t let the weather scare you because we can race in the rain.”

The boat races started Saturday at 10 a.m. at Lake Decatur, and the fair gates closed at 10 p.m. on Friday, but opened back up on Saturday at 9 am. However, organizers did cancel the rodeo because of track conditions, and all ticket sales will be honored on Aug. 26.