Welcome to the Village of Grass Lake Downtown Development Authority
Lying amidst the rolling hills and farmlands of Southern Michigan, Grass Lake remained a jewel in a state that hosts thousands of jewels in small towns that dot the landscape. While many have found it on the map (exit 150 on I-94), the quiet sleepy little village was missing from the map of adventure and interest as it continued its modest living style and quiet essence.
It was our mission to put the Village on the map of adventure and curiosity by keeping the downtown stores alive and thriving, and pointing out to passers-by that more than just sleeping existed here. Indeed, a destination to a wide array of visitors from antique enthusiasts to boat racing and bass fishing specialists, it was odd to find that ….Yes!...., Grass Lake does actually have a “lake”.
Mapping out the unique assets that existed here in history, culture, vision and potential for the future, the Grass Lake Village Council authorized the establishment of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in 1990. From its meager start that year, the DDA began its path to prominence with a simple plan to revive the historic downtown buildings, maintain the quiet solitude of the residential areas and promote the whole community as a “destination” of regional and national interest.
Today, the regional interest surrounding the Copper Nail Community Resale Shop brings many Southern Michigan area visitors to a little village that many didn’t even know existed; other than an exit off the interstate. As well, the attraction of the real “lake” to the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association’s annual “Wild Ones Regatta” brought with it even wider attention with the running of the National Stock Outboard Races in 2009. As the DDA Board sought to maintain the community as an attraction for a number of reasons, it invested a lot of time and assets to make sure that the racing visitors found the area with a “feels like home atmosphere”. That has proved successful as the American Powerboat Association has given its approval to the second National races on Grass Lake in 2012.
Add to that the 4th of July Festivities, the Grass Lake Traffic Jam’in, the annual Wild One’s Regatta, Heritage Days, the Pedal Across Lower Michigan (P.A.L.M.) and the One Helluva Ride (OHR) bicycle tours, and the Spring Business Expo, a picture now comes to the imagination as one comes upon the 150 exit sign on Interstate 94. Don’t pass us by. Stop in to see what’s new and happening amidst those rolling hills of farmland.
The 27th Annual Wild One’s Regatta Hydroplane Races combines with Heritage Days at Grass Lake
As the hydroplane racing season winds down, the action will heat up as the Annual Wild One’s Regatta lights up the shores of Grass Lake. Drivers, piloting these “kneel-down outboards” will approach speeds of 80+MPH, and range from 9-75 years old over the September 10-11 weekend.
It only seems fitting that the 27th running of the Wild One’s will be a part of the Village of Grass Lake’s Heritage Days. With two city blocks being filled with arts and craft venders and classic cars, every member of the family will be entertained. A boat racers’ dinner/awards ceremony by the American Cancer Society will cap off the evening at the Depot Museum.
Although this will mark the final Grass Lake race of the season on the MHRA Top Gun Series powered by Wendy’s, the Village has a lot to look forward to in 2012. The Village of Grass Lake and the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association (MHRA) will play host to the Stock/Junior Outboard Nationals. Under the sanctioning body of the American Power Boat Association (APBA), outboard racers will travel from coast to coast for a chance to win the National Championship. A date is yet to be announced, but should be in late July/early August.
Last, but not least, the MHRA “Racer School” has continued to turn success at Grass Lake. The July Racer School featured 5 out of 6 first-time racers participating in competition over the weekend. Grass Lake’s own, Cody Brown, was one participant, and will return to hone his racing skills at the Regatta. Interested in a Racer School? Contact MHRA via website or Facebook, or check in with the Village of Grass Lake.
The 2011 Wild One’s Regatta is an APBA (American Powerboat Association) sanctioned event including all Stock Outboard and Junior Classes. Racing will be held September 10 – 11, with Stock Outboard Marathon Racing offered as well. Racing each day will begin at approximately 10 am and end at 5pm, weather permitting. Additional information can be found at http://www.michiganhydroplane.com/
establishment of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in 1990. From its meager start that year, the DDA began its path to prominence with a simple plan to revive the historic downtown buildings, maintain the quiet solitude of the residential areas and promote the whole community as a “destination” of regional and national interest.