SKI SPRITE ROAD TRIP: Ski Sprites Rev Up For 2023 Season
this year’s theme is Road Trip Across the USA
Barbara Arnold, photos by Ricci Wagner |
The Eau Claire Ski Sprites Water Ski Show Team is revving up for a Road Trip across the USA: That’s the theme of this year’s show, which the team has been practicing indoors since January. Audiences can join them as they make their way around the country with special stops including acts in Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans, and Orlando.
Their acts include ballets, duos, trios, pyramids, barefoot skiing, ski jumping, and wakeboarding.
The team is kicking off its season at Lake Altoona Beach on Memorial Day weekend all dressed in red, white, and blue with two shows: Sunday, May 28, at 6:30pm and a special show on Monday, May 29, at 3pm.
For the remainder of the season, shows will be Sunday and Wednesday nights at 6:30pm through Sunday, Aug. 27. Shows are subject to weather and park closures. Cost is $5 for a county park vehicle pass, and free will donations are accepted at the show to cover costs for this all-volunteer group.
The current Ski Sprites team consists of approximately 80 members made up of skiers and a host of adult volunteers, who create the show, run the sound system, staff the boats, ropes, skis, and more, plus design, sew, and fit costumes. Their fleet includes one Malibu ski boat, two Mercury-powered tow boats, two safety boats poised for immediate water rescue, and one portable pontoon jump for its members to take to the sky.
Other summer highlights include a Cancer Awareness show on Sunday, June 11, a free Adaptive Ski Clinic on Saturday, June 17, and a Learn-to-Ski Program on Sunday, June 18. The team will be at the Wisconsin State Water Ski Tournament the weekend of July 22 and 23. On Thursday, Aug. 17, the team will have a traveling show at River Jams/Lake Hallie Sportsman’s Club.
For more info, visit skisprites.com or the team’s Facebook page facebook.com/skispriteswaterskiteam.