48th Annual Rend Lake Water Festival

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We would like to thank everyone for taking part in this year's Rend Lake Water Festival.  The Festival will kick off with our annual carnival, lots of fun new activities, and conclude with our community parade on Saturday. 

This event is organized by the Benton / West City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rend Lake Water Festival Committee.

Event Theme

If you have ideas or suggestions for a theme for this years Water Festival  please fill out the  Event Survey.

Event Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the generous support of our local community sponsors.   To join your fellow organizations to make this event bigger and better, check out our Event Sponsorships.  Please contact the chamber office for more information.  618-438-2121
2018  Sponsors
Premier & Signature Sponsors
Logan Church of God
​Peoples National Bank & WEEKS in Benton

In the News

Rend Lake Water Festival Begins Today - WQRL
Rend Lake Water Festival Opens Wednesday - Carbondale Times & Benton News
'Journey Through the Decades' at the 47th Rend Lake Water Festival - Benton Gazette

    Event Survey

    We are always looking for people to be part of the planning committee for this event.  If you are interested, please enter your contact info below.

Business Scavenger Hunt

As part of National Small Business Week , we hosted a Business Scavenger Hunt in the Benton / West City community.  Local businesses were explored and prizes were awarded! 
2018 Prizes provided by:
Peoples National Bank, US Bank, & Legence Bank.

2018 Carnival

May 2st – 5th: Rend Lake Water Festival Carnival by Brady’s Amusements
NE corner of the Benton Public Square
Wednesday – Friday   6-10 pm            Saturday 11-4 & 6-10 pm

Ticket prices are:
  • $2.50 per ticket
  • 10 tickets for $22 Special
  • $17 for nightly armbands

Slow Glow Ride


Was a fun family-friendly bike ride that passed some of the historic sites and haunts of Benton. All ages welcome. Younger riders had to be able to ride a bicycle without training wheels or should be pulled in a bike trailer or a tag-a-long bicycle attached to an adult’s bike. This was an evening ride and we will be returning around dusk so lights encouraged but not required. 
2018 Event Organized by Cycle1 Cyling Studio

Little Mister / Little Miss Rend Lake

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 Little Mister & Little Miss Rend Lake Water Festival Contest
Collins/Malkovich Event Center - Benton Middle School
2018 Winners
Ages 2-4
Little Miss: Savannah Morris
Ages 5-8
Little Mister: Kyler Followell
Little Miss: Kynslee Perkins

Little Mister / Little Miss Pageant Sponsor & Parade Vehicles

2017 winners

Ages 2-4
Little Miss: Gabriella York & Little Mister: Zaedyn McCain
Ages 5-8
Little Miss: Roree Baker​

Parade

Rend Lake Water Festival Parade
Along West Main, Benton Public Square & North Main to Joplin Street

Parade Catagories
Best in Show: 
Best Band: 
Best Business:
Best Organization:
​Best Church: 

Our local community enjoyed floats and entries provided by over 87 businesses/organizations/civic groups in this year's parade.

Watch the Parade Online!

Special thanks to WEEKS in Benton for the use of vehicles for the parade.

Parking Information

Public parking lots are available on the west side of the Benton Public Square.  Parking is also available along the street.  Please follow any street signs regarding special parking zones!

Event Sponsorship

Event Sponsorship is available.  Please contact the chamber office for more information.  618-438-2121

Event FAQs