July 2023 marks 100 Years of Lake Decatur!

Please join us at the Centennial Lake Fest & grand opening of the “Staley Basin” – July 8 & 9, 2023.

This event will feature tons of activities in the Marina and along the lake front. 100 Years of Lake Decatur is a collaboration between the City of Decatur, Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Decatur Park District, and Staley Family Foundation. J

oin us to honor the first 100 years of Lake Decatur and build new connections for the community and the next 100 years.

Schedule

July 8, 2023

Activities:

Sailboat Regatta

The Commodore Decatur Yacht Club will host a sailboat clinic and two days of racing in Basin 2 with Flying Scots registered from across the country.

Clinic: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Races: Sat. 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Staley Basin Dedication

An official ceremony will be held on the main stage to re-name Basin 3 as the Staley Basin, recognizing the vision and influence of the A.E. Staley family.

Time: 4 p.m.

Family Fun

Family-friendly activities for kids and adults with Bounce Houses, Touch A Truck, and much more!

Art & Vendor Fair

Local artisans and vendors will display their work during festival hours.

They will be located along the boardwalk between the Beach House and the Devon Amphitheater. Presented by the Decatur Area Arts Council.

Fishing Competition

A two-day fishing tournament will take place during festival hours. Open to all skill levels. Fishing poles and other equipment will be available to use.

Yoga at Lake Fest

Gentle Yoga Class with Tara Drake of Yoga hOMe at the old Amphitheater. Registration info opens in a new windowhere

Time: 12 noon

opens in a new window Car Show opens image file

FREE car show sponsored by Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chevrolet Hall of Fame, and Vinnie’s Barbee Q

Time: 12 – 4 p.m.

Live Music Lineup

Our Music Director has scheduled a lineup of amazing artists and almost all are local! A main stage will be in the parking lot between the Beach House and the Lake Management office, and a smaller stage for acoustic acts will be near the Art Fair east of the Beach House.

Main Stage

Said Echo – Alternative Rock (original showcase)

Free Range Youth – Alternative Rock (original showcase)

Structurally Sound – Cover band/pop-Top 40

Foo Gang – Positive Hip Hop/Soul (original showcase)

Drew Cagle and the Reputation – Original up and coming Decatur act

Acoustic Stage

The Bessers – Acoustic alternative folk

Ashley Riley – Singer songwriter

Matt Carter – Acoustic set

We are very thankful to our partner – the Staley Family Foundation.

Without the vision of A. E. Staley, there may not have been a lake at all!

We thank the Staley Family for supporting this event and future watershed initiatives to protect our Lake for the next 100 years!

July 9, 2023

Activities:

Sailboat Regatta

The Commodore Decatur Yacht Club will host a sailboat clinic and two days of racing in Basin 2 with Flying Scots registered from across the country.

Clinic: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Races: Sat. 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Family Fun

Family-friendly activities for kids and adults with Bounce Houses, Touch A Truck, and much more!

Art & Vendor Fair

Local artisans and vendors will display their work during festival hours.

They will be located along the boardwalk between the Beach House and the Devon Amphitheater. Presented by the Decatur Area Arts Council.

Fishing Competition

A two-day fishing tournament will take place during festival hours. Open to all skill levels. Fishing poles and other equipment will be available to use.

Guinness World Record Attempt!

We have partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur to attempt to beat the world record of plastic boats launched simultaneously. The record stands at under 330 boats; we think we can beat that! Launch will be at the beach area near the Beach House. The boats will be retrieved immediately following the launch.

Launch time: 2 p.m.

Live Music Lineup

Our Music Director has scheduled a lineup of amazing artists and almost all are local! A main stage will be in the parking lot between the Beach House and the Lake Management office, and a smaller stage for acoustic acts will be near the Art Fair east of the Beach House.

Main Stage

Lady Luck – Legendary local cover band/classic rock

Puff Puff Poseidon – Original showcase

Harlem Hayfield – Original showcase

No Backup Plans – Local hard rock/alternative cover band

Acoustic Stage

Tristen Warnsley – Positive vibe acoustic folk/jam

Oatmilk (Crimson June) – Singer songwriter acoustic folk

We are very thankful to our partner – the Staley Family Foundation.

Without the vision of A. E. Staley, there may not have been a lake at all!

We thank the Staley Family for supporting this event and future watershed initiatives to protect our Lake for the next 100 years!

Date : July 8, 2023 - July 9, 2023

Location :

Nelson Park

2475 Pavilion Drive

Decatur, IL 62521

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