Lakefest brings demand for more rooms

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - More than 100 drivers are warming up their engines as they gear up for Central Texas biggest drag boat races brining in a hundred drivers from all over the country.

One of them is Bob Raber, who races more than a dozen events year.

"This is a big drag race," said Raber, who's from the North Texas town of Wylie. "All the big boys are here from all over the country."

One driver came all the way from California to Marble Falls for its annual Lakefest because he says the race atmosphere and the layout is perfect for racing. An added bonus is that the park is next to the water.

He also came here to take a stab at the $100,000 prize money. But win or lose, he loves coming to Marble Falls.

"The city welcomes everybody to come here and so that's why we're here," said Dave Lapenski of El Centro, Calif. "The Chamber of Commerce does a wonderful job for all of us. They support us and they try to get us contingency money to help support the travel money."

Lucas Oil is a major sponsor of this years event. Company officials say Lakefest has become a premiere event to sponsor.

"I'd have to say Marble Falls is one of the top three venues in the country. I mean, it's unbelievable," said Mike Chastain, operations director.

The races attract lots of visitors. Hotels and small bed & breakfast inns like the Wallace Guest House sell out weeks in advance as people are coming from all over the Southwest. This event and a growth in business travelers have city leaders looking to build more accommodations in town.

"Were going to need more hotel rooms, more B&Bs," said Mark Hodges, a former president of the Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce.