LAKEPORT, Calif. – With preparations under way for the inaugural Lakeport Sprint Boat Grand Prix on Saturday, June 3, and Sunday, June 4, organizers have reached out to community outlets to get tickets to this exciting event in the hands of Lake and Mendocino County sprint boat fans.

“Most people don’t want to wait in line at a ticket booth,” said event Chairman Jack Long. “The whole area is going to be fenced off and if people purchase tickets at the gate, they will have to buy the ticket and then go through the check in process.”

Long said organizers are encouraging presale tickets to avoid the ticket lines. “If attendees buy their tickets through our Web site or at any of the local ticket outlets, they can go straight to the check in. They will have no need to stand in the ticket line.”

Several local partners have stepped up to offer tickets. In Lake County they include Twin Pine Casino’s “Off the Vine” gift shop, Kelseyville Lumber, Lake County Fairgrounds, Steele Winery Tasting Room and Chacewater Winery Tasting Room. Ukiah fans can pick up their tickets at dig! Music. Tickets are also available online at www.sprintboatgrandprix.com .

Organizers are still looking for volunteers:

• Volunteers with a boat or personal watercraft are needed to be part of the race course perimeter line to secure the area. They can work one or two days, and will receive as many complimentary general tickets as they work. There will be a need up to 40 crafts and drivers.

• Individuals who will be part of the race management team (supporting ticket takers, gate monitors and general support of the Sprint Boat Grand Prix management team). Approximately 20 people are needed. They will also receive a general admission ticket for each day they work. Go to www.sprintboatgrandprix.com and click on the volunteer tab for more information.

Vendors also are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. With the large number of visitors expected at this event from all over the West Coast, this is a prime opportunity for service organizations or vendors to make money.

The rate for vending is a flat $100 per day and vendors keep 100 percent of what they sell. Vendors can go to www.sprintboatgrandprix.com and click on the vendor tab for more information and to apply.