Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, a research and education center at Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind., and the Kosciusko Community YMCA, Warsaw, Ind., have teamed to provide the first Water Waddle as part of the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival this summer. The Water Waddle is a one mile fun run for kids ages toddler to 14 year-olds. Toddlers are welcome to walk with an adult. The event will take place at Center Lake Park which has a paved sidewalk around the perimeter of the park measuring a quarter of a mile. Youth will complete four laps around the course all within the sight of the adult who brought them to minimize any safety concerns.
The Northern Indiana Lakes Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 and is being held at Center Lake Park, 225 E. Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw. The Water Waddle will begin at 2 p.m. with registration and check-ins starting an hour before race time. There is no entry fee for the race, and the first 100 youths to pre-register by June 10 will receive a free festival t-shirt. Participants will also receive participation medals, and trophies will be awarded to top three runners in boy and girl divisions. More information and the registration form are available at www.lakesfestival.org. Registration forms can also be picked up at the Kosciusko Community YMCA in Warsaw. Completed registration forms need to be mailed or dropped off to the YMCA as well.
Other highlights of the lakes festival include a ski show, canoeing and kayaking, a boat show, musical performances, exhibits and booths featuring local businesses and nonprofits, and demonstrations and hands-on activities for children. Guests can purchase food from local vendors and register to win great door prizes. Aluminum water bottles will be given away as well. Join us as we celebrate our lakes!
The Northern Indiana Lakes Festival is being organized by Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, a research and education center at Grace College. The event is made possible by several local sponsors, including Biomet, K21 Health Foundation, Lake City Radio, and Zimmer as top-level sponsors.