There is something for everyone at the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival over the weekend of June 7-9. The event is organized by Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, a center for water research and education at Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind.
The youngest festival goers can participate in the Water Waddle, a 1-mile fun run for toddlers to 14 year olds.
For adults and families there is a 5-kilometer run or walk. The Run for Others 5K is organized by Integrated Community Development International, a nonprofit organization working in the Central African Republic to provide clean water. All proceeds from the 5K will go toward their efforts.
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the Winona Lake Trails as part of KCV Cycling Club’s mountain bike time trial series. Once a month, starting with the Lakes Festival and continuing through September, the club gathers to improve their fitness and racing skills.
This is also the inaugural year of an outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament co-organized by the Kosciusko County YMCA.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a celebration of lakes if there wasn’t a swimming event. Center Lake Conservation Association organizes a 1-mile swim race in Center Lake called the Warsaw Aqua Mile. All proceeds will go to the Center Lake Conservation Association and their efforts to keep the lake clean.
In addition to enjoying the scenery of beautiful lakes, participants and their families can take advantage of the festivities associated with the Lakes Festival. These include a ski show, canoeing, lake education activities, food vendors, a business expo and much more.
For race times, registration and other details visit www.lakesfestival.org.
Held annually in Warsaw and Winona Lake, the Lakes Festival celebrates lakes while educating attendees about caring for water resources. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Biomet, Zimmer, CenturyLink, Louis Dreyfus, and Silveus Insurance Group are also sponsors of the event.
