NO WAKE ZONE FOR LAKE MENDOTA DURING RHYTHM & BOOMS

June 20, 2003
Sharyn Wisniewski, 267-8823 Sue Jones, 267-0118

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today reminded boaters that there is a slow-no-wake zone on the entire surface of Lake Mendota during the Rhythm & Booms fireworks display. The slow-no-wake zone will be in effect from sunset (8:41 p.m.) to midnight on Saturday evening, June 28, 2003. Rhythm & Booms causes a huge increase in boating on Lake Mendota, most of which occurs after dark. The congestion and low visibility creates hazardous boating situations. County Executive Falk said: “Rhythm & Booms is wonderful family entertainment for our community. The no-wake zone on Lake Mendota for a few hours helps make the event safer.” As another convenience for boaters using the lakes during Rhythm & Booms, County Executive Falk also announced that the Tenney Park locks’ hours of operation will be extended to 12:00 midnight. Boaters will not have to rush to reach the locks after the fireworks display. The normal 200-foot slow-no-wake zone on Lake Mendota resumes on June 29. In the fall of 2002, Chapter 72 of the County Code of Ordinances was amended to create a permanent no-wake zone on the entire surface of Lake Mendota from sunset to midnight on the date of the annual Rhythm and Booms fireworks display. In 2001 and 2002, the Rhythm and Booms slow-no-wake was established by emergency order. # # #