History
The Cedar Lake Summerfest was started 33 years ago (1981); Florence Wahlberg, Eileen Hunley, Sue Summers, Karen Dowler, and Mary Joan Dickson all wanted to share their community with others. Cedar Lake was once a very popular sought out destination for people in the past. This group of ladies joined a very popular movement, promoting your community with a festival. Hoping to bring people back to Cedar Lake and celebrate their memories and make new ones. Working with the Park Board the first gathering was a Town Wide Picnic. It featured a local band, food vendors which included; Elephant Ears, BBQ sandwiches, refreshments, and games for all ages. The softball tournament had teams represented by the Fire Department, Police Department, Town Hall, and Public Works.
The second year the Fraternal Order of Police joined the efforts and provided a few children rides, a beer garden, fireworks, and additional food booths. In 1983 the Cedar Lake Summerfest Committee was organized to run and operate the festival. The Town Manager served as the Chairman numerous town employees and Town Council were recruit to serve on the Summerfest Committee. About in 1986, the new Town Manager did not serve on the Summerfest Committee, but served as a Liaison. The committee consist of dedicated citizens that were determined celebrate their community with local residents and visitors. A Resolution was developed between the Committee and Town Council to work together to provide this festive event for the residents. The festival is funded with the Tourism Funds, which is collected from the Lake County Innkeeper Tax; $5,000.00 on average.
The balance of the operating budget is financed through our very supportive donors which consist of businesses, organizations and families. This festival could not exist without its donors and volunteers.
Summerfest in the past have included events such as; Water Ball, Bucket Brigade, Mud Wrestling, Helicopter Rides, Bus tours of the Community, and Boat Rides. Each and every year the Committee works to bring new events and programs to the festival. Boom, the festival mascot was added a few years ago and brings such to joy to all in attendance.
We offer a great variety of activities for all ages. Over thousands people are in attendance each year. The Cedar Lake Summerfest is a fourth of July festival. We offer a great opportunity for the family to celebrate our country's independence. Festival hours vary daily. There is no admission fee but there is a $5.00 donation for parking. The festival is held on the shore of our 800 acre lake in the Lake of the Red Cedars Park, an 18 acre park.
Activities that we offer are Live Entertainment, 2 nights of Fireworks on the lake, Bingo, Car Show, Talent Show, Kids Games, Cardboard Boat Race, Amusement Rides, Food, Games, Land Parade, Cup Stacking, Beer Garden and much more.
