HAMMOND – The City of Hammond’s annual Festival of the Lakes will run Wednesday, July 17, through Sunday, July 21. The festival will feature free nightly live entertainment, carnival rides, a 5k, car show, golf scramble and fishing derby.
The festival opens at 5 p.m. July 17, with free pontoon boat rides, $25 carnival wristbands for children and the Steve Kellogg Magic Show on the children’s stage. Beginning at 7 p.m., Smokey Robinson will perform on the main stage.
July 18, will feature Bruce in the USA, a tribute band to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street, and opening band Evolution, a Journey tribute band, beginning at 7 p.m. The children’s stage will feature Tae Kwon Do.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 19, the Festival of the Lakes Golf Scramble will take place at the Lost Marsh Golf Course. Advanced registration is required.
Senior citizens may enjoy early entry to the festival at 3 p.m., with entertainment being provided by The Don Manin Quartet. Taking the main stage at 7 p.m. will be Lifehouse and opening band Better than Ezra. Closing Friday night of the festival will be a fireworks show beginning at 10:30 p.m.
The annual Festival of the Lakes Kathleen Pucalik Memorial 5K Run & Walk will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 20, with registration beginning at 7 a.m. at Wolf Lake Memorial Park. Also beginning at 8 a.m. is the Mik Lurch/Optimist Club of Hammond fishing derby. From 10 a.m. until noon, festival attendees with special needs may enjoy free carnival rides. Festival grounds will open to the general public at noon, with the option to purchase a carnival wrist band for $25 for unlimited rides until 5 p.m.
Taking the main stage on Saturday, July 20, beginning at 7 p.m. will be LL Cool J. Fireworks will close the night beginning at 10:30 p.m.
