Two days of action-packed race boat, snowmobile and airplane events are once again on tap for the whole family at the sixth annual Three Lakes Shootout/Radar Run and Fly-in set for Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22, on Big Stone Lake in Three Lakes.

Organizers continue to improve and expand this event that provides financial support for the all-volunteer Three Lakes Fire Department. This year visitors will have a chance to take a free shuttle ride to tour the new fire station, located at Hwy. 32 and Colonel Himes Road, just east of the Shootout grounds.

As hundreds of shootout spectators have learned over the years, thrills, excitement and high- speed action are always assured as more than 70 high-powered hydroplanes, jet, drag and tunnel boats will challenge each other and the radar gun to reach top speeds of up to 130 mph. “Top Gun” honors are at stake for the fastest speed across the 1,000-foot course located on the south shore of Big Stone Lake, near the Sunset Grill and Anchor Marine on Hwy. 32, east of Three Lakes.

Saturday’s events will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free and include not only views of the high-powered race boats, but also the Sledfooters Sled and Ski Show and displays of vintage aircraft at the adjacent Three Lakes airport.
There will also be raffles, souvenir clothing sales and grilled burgers, brats, corn and some new food surprises.

Billed as “the greatest show on H2O,” the Sledfooters (water-skipping snowmobilers) will again be back trying to keep their machines above water as they take off right in front of spectators. Some will even attempt to pull wake boarders, water skiers and barefoot water skiers.

Visitors can take a bleacher seat on the shore or watch from their own boats anchored adjacent to the race course. More views are available at the beer garden tent, with seating for 200, located near the Harbor Campground beach.

Free shuttle buses will run all day Saturday between the Shootout grounds and nearby parking lots. Pontoon boat shuttles will also be available to take boating spectators to the shore for refreshments and airport visits. Some of the planes on display will include an array of vintage airplanes, biplanes, ultra lights and war birds.

There will be 50/50 cash raffles, drawings for rides in several race boats and shootout clothing for purchase. A motorcycle corral will be provided courtesy of Briggs Bar.

Shootout events actually begin Friday, June 21, at about 1 p.m. at Kirby’s Pine Isle on Cty. X, as many of the race boats will be launched to take a tour of the Three Lakes chain.

Race fans can get a closer look at the boats Friday night beginning at 5 p.m. at Bonnie’s Lakeside Restaurant, Hwy. 32. A static display of all the race boats and snowmobiles is planned, along with fire and rescue equipment from the Three Lakes Fire Department. Refreshments, raffles and race clothing sales will also be available at Bonnie’s.

After a day of racing action and presentation of trophies Saturday afternoon, racers and fans are invited to the nearby Mai Tiki Bar at the Harbor Campground from 6 to 10 p.m. to enjoy a DJ and music under the beer tent.

For more information, registration forms, maps and YouTube videos of past races, go to the shootout website at ThreeLakesShootout.com or email Info@Threelakesshootout.com.