“Tri State Saturday “ is back this Labor Day weekend! The St. Joseph River Yacht Club can’t wait to see you. This all-day party is known traditionally as the celebration of the completion of the first leg of the annual Tri-State Regatta, but means so much more to the yacht club members.
Each year the members and staff can’t wait to celebrate summer with their friends and neighbors, while getting to highlight the club’s mission to provide a casual atmosphere, affordable prices, and a spirit of fellowship and education, while building on a rich history of boating, swimming, and socializing in the club’s unique nautical location.
“This party has a ‘more the merrier’ feel and our members get excited to have everyone join them in a day of fun, food, music and dancing.” says Tri-State Committee Chair Kim Kragt. “It’s just a really good time where everyone, of all ages, gets together to celebrate summer right on the lake.”
The event is almost completely staffed by club member volunteers who work all the jobs from grilling and serving dinner, to taking tickets, working the bars and beer truck, and selling merchandise. Since the paid staff dwindles with many returning to college and high school, it’s a long-standing tradition for the yacht club members to jump in and volunteer to make sure the community has a great night. For the sailors who are members, this is their way to show hospitality to all the regatta sailors in their ‘home port’.
Kim says there is a great feeling of excitement for this year’s event. When she took the helm as chair in 2020, they kept their hopes high and tried planning the 2020 party the February before. But when the event was cancelled, like most events in 2020, they set the planning aside. Then in February of this year the committee met with energy and enthusiasm, ready to make sure this was the best Tri State Saturday yet.
“We think this is going to be a big year. Everyone is so anxious to get out and be with people and have fun. The committee has been ready to plan this event for over a year now,” explains Kim. “We wanted to make sure to make this year was bigger and better for everyone. It is going to be a great day on the lake for sailors, crew, the community, and the volunteers.”
The St. Joseph River Yacht Club will be open to the public all day starting at 7 a.m. with a breakfast buffet until 11 a.m., followed by a grilled lunch from 12:00-3:00 p.m. and dinner menu featuring a choice of New York strip, chicken, or vegetarian entrée with salad and sides from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Then they invite everyone to stay and dance to one of Chicago’s premiere party bands, and a local favorite, Libido Funk Circus.
Food and drink tickets will be available for purchase at the door. There will be a $5 cover charge after 7:30 p.m. for non-club members. The event takes place rain or shine under the big top at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club, 1 Lighthouse Lane, St. Joseph.. Additional parking will be available in the Whirlpool parking lot off of Marina Drive. For more information visit www.sjryc.com or by calling 269-983-6393.
By Julee Laurent, MoodyOnTheMarkiet.com Contributor
