Limelight

Members of the Maine Attraction are planning an impressive summer show

Photo: Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team Facebook

Water Ski Team Makes a Summer Splash

By Brian Boisvert

The Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team, a beloved local tradition for over 30 years, is gearing up for another exciting summer season. The team promises a thrilling show filled with crowd-pleasing stunts and a touch of friendly competition.

Founded by Mark and Lori Hegarty in the early 90s, the Maine Attraction has grown from a small local club to a beloved community staple, drawing crowds to Number One Pond every summer. The idea was born out of the Hegarty’s passion for show skiing, which they brought to Maine after their successful careers at Sea World in Orlando. Over the years, the team has seen hundreds of members, each contributing to its vibrant history.

And the family tradition continues into the next generation. Son Peter Hegarty, a longtime member of the team, is back in Maine after seven years as a professional water skier in Florida. Alongside his sister, Katelyn Gray, Peter is co-directing this year’s show. “Our show is shaping up well, and I’m very excited to be home with family for a few months,” Peter shared.

This year’s show involves nearly 65 members, including over 40 skiers, four boat drivers, two announcers, a sound technician, and numerous behind-the-scenes helpers. “It certainly takes a village to put the entire performance together,” Peter noted.

The show’s theme this year is “The Yacht Club.” Audiences will be treated to a lighthearted story where two contrasting groups of skiers, the elegant Yacht Clubbers and the daredevil Hooligans, learn to overcome their differences and share their love of the water.

Water ski enthusiasts can expect to see a variety of acts throughout the show, including barefooting and freestyle jumping, along with graceful maneuvers like swivel skiing and ballet skiing. They also have a goal of making a “conversion pyramid,” a complex maneuver where two separate pyramids transform into a towering four-tier structure, which is sure to be a highlight of the season.

Adding to the excitement is the team’s new twin-rig boat, with two 150hp Mercury outboard motors. This powerful addition will allow the Maine Attraction to showcase even bigger and more impressive stunts.

Beyond dazzling performances, the team is dedicated to making water skiing accessible to all. Their adaptive water ski clinics, now in their second year, provide an opportunity for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities to experience the joy of water skiing.

“Show skiing is an incredible family sport,” says Peter Hegarty. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy our free shows every Thursday night in July. You’ll see not only amazing skill and athleticism, but also a true sense of community spirit.”

The season began with a special Independence Day celebration on July 3rd and continues each Thursday at 6:30 PM during the month of July. So grab a blanket or chair, head down to Number One Pond in Sanford, and get ready to be wowed by the Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team!