Lake 38 water-ski event promotes Gadsden County tourism and international broadcast exposure

Rick Fenton, who represents Lake 38, presented the county with details about the Lake 38 Pro Am and the venue’s year‑round profile. He said Lake 38 is a purpose‑built 2,000‑foot water‑ski course that hosts international competitors and that last year the event drew athletes from more than a dozen countries. The county’s Visit Gadsden County branding and commercials have been featured during broadcasts, he said, giving the county recurring global exposure.

Fenton described the event’s expected September dates (Sept. 11–13), the tournament’s broadcast format (long live segments during pro competition), and estimated online view counts for some viral clips. He also described local economic benefits: athletes and their entourages stay in hotels, eat locally and use services, and the event provides opportunities for local wayfinding and promotional partnerships. Lake 38 also runs adaptive water‑skiing events for people with disabilities, he added.

Commissioners expressed support and discussed local promotional work: one commissioner asked how to increase local engagement and signage; Lake 38 said it can coordinate with hotels, Airbnb hosts and the county tourism office to encourage stays in Quincy and surrounding towns.

Why it matters: the event is a recurring international stop on the pro water‑ski tour and brings paid visitors, media attention and promotional opportunities to Gadsden County. Staff and commissioners said they will collaborate on local promotion and logistics for the September event.

There was no formal county financial commitment announced at the presentation; Lake 38 said the event’s promotion is handled via broadcast and social media, and that the county’s brand will appear in televised segments.