July 13, 2020 at 2:40 p.m.
Hodag Water Shows canceled for 2020 season
Skiers to use this summer to hone skills for the future
Hodag Water Shows canceled for 2020 season
By Stephanie Kuski-
The latest program canceled due to the pandemic is the Hodag Water Shows (HWS), which are typically held at Hodag Park throughout the summer season.
"Due to the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are limited in our ability to provide a full show-skiing experience to club members and the community while implementing necessary social distancing measures," HWS board member Kyle McLaughlin explained in a press release.
The decision was based on local and county guidelines as well as recommendations made by the sport's governing body USA Waterski, he added.
However, in order to maintain the program that was established in the early '70s, the organization have decided to continue practicing in an individual format in an effort to combat virus-related concerns while keeping members entrenched in the sport.
"Despite not being able to host water shows this season, we have made the decision to continue operating as a ski club for our members under a reduced practice schedule through 2020," McLaughlin explained. "This allows us to continue building membership interest and develop individual skills on the water to enhance our ability to deliver high-quality water shows in 2021."
Folks strolling through the park are welcome to stop by to check out the skiers during their practices on Monday and Wednesday evenings, he added.
McLaughlin said the team will continue working on foundational and individual skill sets this summer in order to enhance their ability to ski together in group acts once COVID-19 concerns have subsided. He added that the team has seen a steady membership numbers despite the pandemic, although the number of younger, less experienced members is fewer than years past.
Although the community does not have the opportunity this summer to show their support by attending these ski shows, Hodag Water Shows is seeking monetary donations in an effort to keep the program running strong for many more years to come.
"A large portion of Hodag Water Show's operating revenue comes from concession sales and donations collected during our scheduled shows and the Fourth of July," McLaughlin explained. "Without the financial support received through our shows, Hodag Water Shows will be in a challenging financial position in spring 2021 in preparation for the show season."
HWS will continue exploring additional fundraising opportunities in an effort to replace that lost revenue, Laughlin added.
In the past, Hodag Water Shows has engaged in community garage sales and Share Nights at Culver's, but with the current social distancing limitations in place, it has not yet been determined what those fundraisers will look like this year.
In the meantime, however, Hodag Water Shows is asking community members and other sponsors for financial support in the midst of these uncertain times.
"We're well ingrained in the fabric of our community," McLaughlin commented. "We really enjoy having the community support and coming out to watch us each summer, so this one is definitely going to be a little bit different."
"Every little bit helps and we're very grateful for that," he added.
Hodag Water Shows is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides tax incentives for charitable donations, the release notes.
Donations may be sent via www.hodagwatershows.com using the "donate" button or checks can be mailed to Hodag Water Shows at 5941 Channel Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
Those interested in discussing alternative support options such as corporate sponsorship are encouraged to contact McLaughlin directly at (715) 550-5953 for more information.
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