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Strong thunderstorms both Saturday and Sunday night prompted the Gao Grotto to postpone its planned fireworks on Lake Vermilion. Mother Nature provided the fireworks instead. No new date has been set yet for when the Gao Grotto will host its annual fireworks celebrating Independence Day.
Meanwhile planning continues for when the Danville Gao Grotto will be hosting the Indiana Power Boat Association with boat races on July 20th and 21st. The competition is expected to attract 60 to 100 power boats to Danville with drivers from six states. They include Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Iowa and Michigan.
Craig Lewallen, 2019 Monarch of the Gao Grotto, says some of the boats will arrive early and the general public will be invited – free of charge – to watch their practice runs on July 19th. Then on Saturday and Sunday, July 20th and 21st when the races are held, admission for the public will be $5 per person with children 12 and under admitted free. Two-day passes will be available.
Proceeds from the power boat races will go toward improving playground equipment at the Grotto. Danville AMBUCS have also donated funds to help with the playground. The AMBUCS host a summer camp each year for children and young adults with disabilities, and the camp uses the Grotto facilities.
Lewallen adds 1990 was the last time the Grotto hosted power boat races on Lake Vermilion. He says they hope to make it an annual event. He says the general public will have an opportunity to meet the drivers during breakfast at the Grotto on July 20th and 21st.
