History
The Cedar Lake Summerfest was started in 1981; Florence Wahlberg, Eileen Hunley, Sue Summers, Karen Dowler, and Mary Joan Dickson all wanted to share their community with others. This group of ladies joined a very popular movement, promoting your community with a festival and hoping to bring people back to Cedar Lake to 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. There was a softball tournament that 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 members were recruited to serve on the Summerfest Committee. Around 1986, the new Town Manager only served as a Liaison. The committee consists of dedicated citizens that were determined to 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.
Cedar Lake Summerfest Inc. is a 501c3 all volunteer organization. The balance of the operating budget is financed through the parking fees, vendor fees and our very supportive donors and sponsors which consist of businesses, organizations and families. This festival could not exist without its donors, sponsors and volunteers.
Summerfest in the past has 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 many years ago and is loved by all.
We offer a great variety of activities for all ages. Thousands of 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 $10.00 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, Beer Garden and much more.
Meeting Dates
The Cedar Lake Summerfest meets the fourth Monday of the month at the Cedar Lake Chamber of Commerce at 7:00 P.M. Anyone who would like to become involved in the annual FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL please feel free to join or contact us.
We all have busy schedules, people work in many different jobs and other organizations, and almost everyone has a little time to do something. Meetings involve teamwork. We are hoping that you will be one of our team players and help us look for better ways to address the needs of making the 43rd Annual Cedar Lake Summerfest for the year 2024 the best one ever. This year Cedar Lake Summerfest will start on Thursday July 4th, 2024 and end on Sunday July 7th, 2024.
We need your help PLEASE join us at our meetings located at the The Cedar Lake Chamber of Commerce at 7:00 pm every 4th Monday of each month.