Skaterfest Cancelled

Facing renewed COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor group gatherings and restaurants imposed this week in Michigan, Skaterfest organizer Ron Szolack is cancelling the August 6-9 event. The celebration of the vaunted Skater Powerboats brand in the Detroit Metro area was set to happen for the ninth time.

Though Skaterfest won’t happen this year, organizer Ron Szolack plans to bring it back in 2021. Photo from Skaterfest 2019 by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix/speedonthewater.com.

“No parties of more than 10 are allowed in restaurants and no more than 100 are allowed at outdoor gatherings,” Szolack said, then laughed. “For us, that’s about 10 boats. Last year, we had 220 people at dinner.

“So all of the restaurants involved with Skaterfest called me to cancel, of course,” he added. “Crazy times.”

Based on last year’s turnout and 2020 attendee commitments, Szolack was expecting the event’s largest fleet to date. Last year, Skaterfest attracted an event record-setting 43 Skater catamarans. Among those planning to attend were Skater Powerboats founder Peter Hledin and Tony Cutsuries, the Douglas, Mich., company’s national sales manager.

“We’re very disappointed, but we understand the decision,” Cutsuries said.

Szolack said he is “absolutely” planning to bring back the event in 2021.

Related stories
Szolack Affirms Commitment To Produce Skaterfest
Newcomers, New Owners And More Highlight Skaterfest 2019