There is perhaps a no more fun or refreshing way to spend a summer weekend than playing down by the water, and the City of La Porte is happy to welcome visitors from all around the Region to their first ever La Porte LakeFest this weekend.
Centered around the city's trio of prominent lakes - Stone, Pine, and Clear Lake - the event features a host of fun activities for the entire family, the event runs this weekend, from July 31 through August 1. Each day, the event boasts three whole days jam-packed with music, art, food and fun.
“We could not be more excited to bring this festival to the residents of our city and beyond,” said La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. “With our recent rebranding, the timing could not be more perfect to highlight what makes our community special. Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber and his planning committee have done an outstanding job pulling this together, and we cannot wait for what will no doubt eb the best weekend of the summer.”
Possibly the highlight of this jam-packed event are the AquaX Jet Ski races, taking place both Saturday and Sunday on Stone Lake, with Saturday evening hosting even more surprises and entertainment, including a Venetian Boat Parade on Pine Lake, as well as live music at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater overlooking Clear Lake. The night’s headliners include Chicago native blues guitarist Wayne Baker Brooks as well as La Porte native and local favorite Rich Hardesty, who will be bringing his full band to rock the house.
Convention & Leisure Sales Manager, Rick Wright, for the LaPorte Convention and Visitors Bureau helped to put the event together.
“I’m thrilled with the turnout here today,” said Wright. “We’re thrilled to see the racing here today and we even welcome amateurs to come out here to race, as well.”
Lori Kessler of La Porte was enjoying the day at the lake with her boyfriend Don Moore and friend Cindy Sinn.
“It’s so much fun, just to be out here, enjoying the weather, being around people and seeing some racing,” said Kessler.
Arnold Martinez of Los Angeles traveled to compete for Broward Motorsports and Cabrera Motorsports of Florida.
“I grew up in Chicago, so I’ve been to La Porte many times,” said Martinez. “I love this town. There’s so much charm here and the people are very friendly. It’s just a wonderful Midwest town and I’m loving it!”
This year’s event is sponsored in part by NIPSCO, as well as American Licorice, Larson Danielson Construction, Northwest Health, American RENOLIT and many others.
For more information, visit https://laportelakefest.com/.
