PUBLISHED IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE JUNE 25, 2015

The town of Cedar Lake will be hosting its 34th annual Fourth of July festival, the Cedar Lake Summerfest, Thursday through July 5.

Events that will take place during the festival include a cupcake contest at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

The 15th annual checkers tournament will be July 3 along with kiddie games, a bathing beauties contest for girls and a superheroes contest for boys.

For July 4, the Cedar Lake Summerfest parade will kick off at 10 a.m., followed by the cardboard boat race at 11:30 a.m.
On July 5, Summerfest will conclude with zip lines, bean bags, a talent show and the 29th annual Summerfest car show.

June Cole, Summerfest organizer, said, “This year we will have bigger and better bands, attractions and food vendors.”

Admission for the festival is a $5 donation per car. “It’s something that families can enjoy,” Cole said. “It’s not very expensive and it brings people together.”

One event that excites Cole is the cardboard boat race.

“It’s always a great time,” Cole said. “We’re bringing it back because years before we didn’t have enough hands to make it work. People don’t realize that this is all run by volunteers. We work really hard and it’ll be nice to have it back.”

Summerfest still needs volunteers. Those interested in volunteering, or anyone else looking for more information about the event, can check out http://www.cedarlakesummerfest.com.

Beth Casey is a freelance reporter.

Cedar Lake Summerfest

When: Thursday through July 5

Where: Cedar Lake Town Complex, 7408 Constitution Ave., Cedar Lake
Entrance fee: $5 per car

Information: 219-794-4122 or http://www.cedarlakesummerfest.com