With something for the whole family, Chestermerians are invited to come out and celebrate life on the lake at the annual Water Festival July 22 at John Peake Park.
“We start it off with a splash,” said City of Chestermere Events Coordinator Nancie Huneault.
“It’s a great opportunity to really kick back and enjoy the summer on the lake,” she said.
Festivities kick off with the perennial festival favourite wake board competition on the north side of the lake at 11 a.m.
Often drawing competitors from across Canada, the competition is one of the qualifying events in the competitive circuit.
The kids zone and artisan markets also open at 11 a.m. while lake tours start at noon.
“We kick off our music showcase at one,” said Huneault.
She describes the line up as an eclectic mix of musical styles and genres.
“The music is top notch,” she said, “it’s award winning, great entertainers.”
As always, the day ends with fireworks on the lake at 10:30 p.m.
New to the festival this year is an increase in the number of food vendors.
“We have a lot more food vendors this year,” she said.
Food choices range from mini donuts and ice cream sundaes to vegan corn dogs to South American grilled chorizo sausage.
Festival goers of the adult variety will be able to wash down their tasty treats with wine and beer in the beer gardens while families can cool off with slushies or enjoy coffee and hot chocolate while watching the fireworks.
The farmers market is also being incorporated into the festival this year and, as always there are new vendors at the artisan market and different line up of bands in the music showcase.
“It’s always nice to come and see something new,” she said.
Huneault wants to remind residents that the boat launch is closed to the public during Water Festival.
“There’s a lot of traffic on the lake that day,” said Chestermere Communications Team Lead Megan Matthies.
While the launch may be close, Huneault is sure that festival goers will have a lot of fun at the John Peake Park.
“I just think that when people come down they’re going to have a good day, there’s lots of things for them to do,” said Huneault.
For a full lineup of activities, vendors and the musical showcase schedule go to www.chestermere.ca/waterfestival.
