Watercross racing returns to Deep Bay Park

OROVILLE — Some of North !merica’s fastest racers will hit the water Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 3,4 and 5 as  high-speed watercraft racing returns to Deep Bay Park for the annual Lake Osoyoos Cup.

The action kicks off Friday with registration and tuning and testing. Course setup is expected to be completed shortly after lunch, with registration from 1-4 p.m.  Tuning and testing on the course will be open from 4-7 p.m.

Registration reopens at 8 a.m. Saturday, with practice set for 9 a.m. Racing is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Awards follow Sunday racing.

During racing activities, the boat launch in Deep Bay Park will be closed to the public, Harnack said, noting boaters will still be able to access other launches on the lake.

“We’re looking forward to a good turnout,” Northwest Jet Sports Association promoter Roger Harnack said. “We’ll have racers from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia.”

There are classes for everyone from beginner to professional, standups and runabouts, and men and women, Harnack said. Children ages 10 and older are also expected to compete.

“Locals can get in on the action, too,” Harnack said, noting the Northwest Jet Sports Association is open to anyone who has a Jet Ski or just enjoys the water. “Anyone wanting to race can come learn from the best the region has to offer.”
There are even vintage classes.

“So, dust off the ski in your garage and come on out,” Harnack said, noting would-be racers can learn more about the sport online at www.ijsba.com.

Lauretta Morey of Morey 3D Printing in Oroville has designed special weekend awards for racers and will be set up at the races to show other printing opportunities.

But there will be more going on in Oroville this coming weekend than just racing.

Adjacent to the Deep Bay Park race site, the Oroville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a beer garden, food court, and more vendors.

And nearby, the annual Tumbleweed Film Festival will be taking place.

“On Friday and Saturday, take in a film at Esther Briques winery,” chamber spokeswoman Karen Frisbie said.

One international film airs each night at 7 p.m. at the winery, 42 Swanson Mill Road.

Additionally, the weekly Farmers Market will be hosting Trail Days, she said.

“Our goal is to get people out and enjoying all Oroville has to offer.” Frisbie said, noting the parks have been filled with families enjoying our lake and grounds. “Come on out and support the city, community and our local businesses.”