Ski Sharks plan to return July 1

Updated: June 25, 10:30 a.m.

The Shawano Ski Sharks are set to start performing shows on July 1.

The organization made the announcement on their Facebook page Wednesday morning, and Dave Passehl, the team’s president, confirmed the news.

“If you feel comfortable we would love to see everyone come out and enjoy,” the post stated. “There is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy an evening by the water with friends and family!”

Ski Shark shows typically start at the start of June, but were postponed until now because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tracy Strachan, the team’s show director for the season, said the Ski Sharks hit the water in small group practices of 10 skiers, instead of with the entire team like in past years to abide by USA Water Ski, federal and county guidelines. The organization also worked closely with the park and rec department to gain additional permission to practice and now put on shows.

“We put a lot of work into this site (Smalley Park), this city has put a lot of work into this site over the past year and we really wanted to be able to share that with the community,” said Strachan.

Strachan said having the Shawano Speedway and baseball (high school and amateur) seasons open and Music in the Park starting up soon helped the Ski Sharks make the decision to start putting on shows. The team’s board members met weekly to keep adapting to the most current guidelines and will continue doing so until the end of the season.

A limited concession stand will be open for fans. Pre-packaged snacks, water and Gatorade will be among the items available next Wednesday.

Fans are asked to respect the social distancing guidelines and spread out along the shoreline. Masks are not required.

Strachan said the shows might be “a little bit smaller scale than what we’ve typically done in the past.”

“We sent out surveys to our skiers asking them what they were comfortable with and really everyone was just anxious to get back out on the water and put on show for the town.”

Just like in past years, the Ski Sharks plan on holding shows every Wednesday evening until the middle of August.

For the latest updates on the team, visit http://shawanoskisharks.org/index.php or https://www.facebook.com/shawano.sharks/.