Drag Boat Races Return to San Angelo June 25

The Showdown in San Angelo is an annual tradition in these parts held in the cove near Spring Creek Arena that is perfectly situated for high speed on-the-water races. There are several classes of drag boats as well as a race set for personal watercraft. The three day event usually starts Friday evening with a show and tell for the public to view the boats. Racing is generally all day Saturday and Sunday. More details about the actual schedule will be released as the Showdown date approaches.

The SDBA is requesting the use of Spring Creek and Middle Concho Parks, as well as part of the lake to host the annual races from the City.

The basic terms of the agreement would include:

• a 1-year term, with no option to extend.
• a "rental" fee for the use of the parks for the event of $8,000.
• SDBA to coordinate, prepare, operate, manage and execute the event.
• SDBA to clean and return the parks to the same condition before the events, after each event waiver of the applicable ordinances as previously done the years past (which will be brought to San Angelo City Council separately in Resolution format;
• requested ordinance waivers include: coordination of camping and parking for the event, entrance gate fees, permits for street closures, tents, vendors and signs, provisions regulating the water of Lake Nasworthy, such as "No Wake" zones, and waiver to allow vendors within 500 feet of boat ramps and City-owned property leased for commercial purposes, which has been the practice of past races).
• 1 event in June.
• SDBA must complete and submit a Special Event Application to the City as part of the agreement.

Tuesday, April 6, the San Angelo City Council is expected to approve the Showdown contract.

Photo credit above: From the 2020 Showdown in San Angelo by D. Gillen Photography, from the SDBA website.