July 6, 2023 – The City of Decatur has announced the schedule of events for the Centennial Lake Fest in Nelson Park this Friday through Sunday—July 7, 8 and 9—including a lighted boat parade, live music, a basin dedication and more.
July 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Lake Decatur, and the City of Decatur is teaming up with the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Decatur Park District and the Staley Family Foundation to host a weekend of fun along the lakefront to celebrate. The sponsors look to honor the lake’s history and build new connections for the community, including dedicating a portion of the lake as the Staley Basin.
The festivities begin on Friday, July 7 with a lighted boat parade, with line-up starting at 8:30 p.m. and boats launching at 9 p.m. The parade will be visible from The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater at 10 p.m.
On Saturday, July 8, vendors move in throughout the morning and the day begins at noon with a car show, a yoga class at the lake’s old amphitheater (registration required) and sailboat displays, in addition to food and crafts vendors being on-site. Live music will play throughout the afternoon and evening, including a preview of the Decatur Park District’s Best of Summer Stock youth theater shows at 2:30 p.m. The opening ceremonies, including the Staley Basin dedication, will be held at 4 p.m. with music continuing into the evening, and the day will wind down at 8 p.m.
Sailboat activities will be held throughout the morning on Sunday, July 9, with the festival opening for its final day at noon. A mobile petting zoo will be on-site starting at 1 p.m., in addition to more live music. A Guinness World Record attempt for the number of plastic boats launched simultaneously will be held in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur at 2 p.m., and the festival will conclude at 5 p.m.
In addition to the scheduled activities, an art fair, mobile museums, fishing competitions and more will be held throughout the weekend. For a complete schedule and more information, visit the City of Decatur’s website HERE.
