2024 Rend Lake Water Festival

The 51st Annual Rend Lake Water Festival, starting on April 29, is a highly anticipated multiday event celebrating the cherished Rend Lake. This festival, rich in community engagement and family-friendly entertainment, features a diverse lineup of activities designed to cater to all interests. The schedule kicks off with the Franklin County EDGE Tradeshow on April 29, followed by a series of exciting events including a carnival by Brady's Amusements running from May 1st through May 3rd each evening from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and a talent show at the Doug Collins & John Malkovich Event Center on the evening of May 1st.

The festivities continue with a car show at Capital Park on May 3rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The pinnacle of the festival is on May 4th, starting with a parade at 10:02 AM, moving from Pizza Hut to Joplin St. on North Main, followed by a carnival and a vendor fair at 211 N. Main Street. The carnival spot is conveniently located at the northeast corner of the Benton Public Square, behind Joe's Pizza. Participation in the parade is open to local businesses, groups, churches, and organizations without a registration fee, though registration is required to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. The talent show offers a modest admission fee of $2, with free entry for kids 12 and under, featuring competitions in vocal, instrumental, and dance categories across different age brackets with prizes.

For more details, visit the festival's official website at www.bentonwestcitychamber.com.