47th Annual Rend Lake Water Festival
We would like to thank everyone for taking part in this year's Rend Lake Water Festival. The Festival kicked off with our annual carnival, lots of fun new activities, and concluded with our community parade on Saturday.
This event was organized by the Benton / West City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rend Lake Water Festival Committee.
Event SponsorsThis 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
Elite Sponsor
Premier & Signature Sponsors
Logan Church of God
Peoples National Bank & WEEKS in Benton Illinois Bicentennial
The Rend Lake Water Festival is proud to be part of the
state-wide events celebrating Illinois’ Bicentennial. Join in the celebration at illinois200.com #Illinoisproud In the NewsRend 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 |
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Business Scavenger Hunt
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As part of National Small Business Week (April 29th - May 5th), we hosted a Business Scavenger Hunt in the Benton / West City community. Local businesses were explored and prizes were awarded!
Winners: Stacey Minor & Jacie Minor Thank you to our participating locations: Benton City Hall, Extreme Exigency / Armed Barbers, Benton Super Lube, Fifth Season Assisted Living, Camp Manitowa, Franklin County Farm Bureau / Country Financial, Cycle1Cycling Studio, Seasoning Bistro, Head Designs, FB McAfoos, CATO Fashions, Rend City Tattoo, Factory Connection, Benton KOA, and AT&T Prime Communications |
Prizes provided by:
Peoples National Bank, US Bank, & Legence Bank. |
Carnival
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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:
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Slow Glow Ride
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May 3rd - 6:30 pm at Cycle1 Cycling Studio at 117 E. Smith St.
A fun family-friendly bike ride that passed some of the historic sites and haunts of Benton. All ages welcome. Younger riders had be able 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.
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Little Mister / Little Miss Rend Lake
May 4th : Little Mister & Little Miss Rend Lake Water Festival Contest
Collins/Malkovich Event Center - Benton Middle School Ages 2-4 Little Miss: Savannah Morris Ages 5-8 Little Mister: Kyler Followell Little Miss: Kynslee Perkins Crowds cheered as we crowned this year’s winners! Penny voting went from Monday April 16th to Thursday May 4th. Official voting locations included Joe’s Pizza, Seasoning Bistro, & Fiesta. Special Thanks to Sartor Photography here in Benton. To purchase prints, please check out the special album on their website.
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2017 winnersAges 2-4
Little Miss: Gabriella York & Little Mister: Zaedyn McCain Ages 5-8 Little Miss: Roree Baker |
ParadeMay 5th – Rend Lake Water Festival Parade
Along West Main, Benton Public Square & North Main to Joplin Street – 10:02 am Parade Winners Best in Show: #Makanda Strong Best Band: Benton Jr High Best Business: Casey's General Store Best Organization: West City Rescue Best Church: New Life Our local community enjoyed floats and entries provided by over 87 businesses/organizations/civic groups in this year's parade. Our Grand Marshall was the 2018 Chamber Citizen of the Year, Jayna Hart. |
Watch the Parade Online!
Special thanks to WEEKS in Benton for the use of vehicles for the parade.
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Talent Competition
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This year we hosted the first Rend Lake Water Festival Talent Show. However it was cancelled due logistics and not enough registrants to host a proper competition. This event was to feature a wide range of talent and open to Franklin County Residents. Participants would have competed within the following age categories: 4 to 10 years, 11 to 17 years, and 18 through adult.
Event Facebook Page |
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Live Music & Entertainment
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Friday Night
Food and live music in Capitol Park from from 6 - 9 pm.
Live music, food vendors, crafters/vendors and a talent competition.
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Never 2 Late - Saturday Entertainment
The Old 37 Band - Saturday Night Entertainment
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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
Why did the date change?
This year marked a new chapter for the Rend Lake Water Festival. In years past, the festival had fallen on Mother's Day weekend, however with family schedules and general attendance to the festival, we decided to move it to the first weekend in May. This way we can encourage more participation with local schools and colleges, limit overlap with other festivals, and free up the holiday weekend so our community can spend it with their families.
This year marked a new chapter for the Rend Lake Water Festival. In years past, the festival had fallen on Mother's Day weekend, however with family schedules and general attendance to the festival, we decided to move it to the first weekend in May. This way we can encourage more participation with local schools and colleges, limit overlap with other festivals, and free up the holiday weekend so our community can spend it with their families.
