Music, carnival, fireworks are on tap
The Lake Geneva Jaycees will celebrate their 53rd Venetian Fest in downtown Lake Geneva this month.
The annual festival will run from Aug. 19 through 23 at Flat Iron, Seminary and Library Parks.
Venetian Fest is open Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight.
The annual festival features a carnival, craft fair, water ski show, fireworks, boat parade, and multiple musical acts throughout its five-day run.
Live music
The festival features live music all five days with performances in the entertainment pavilion beer tent.
The schedule is:
- Aug. 19: Bella Cain, 8 p.m. ($5 cover charge)
- Aug. 20: Cherry Pie, 8 p.m. ($5 cover charge)
- Aug. 21: The Love Monkeys, 8 p.m. ($5 cover charge)
- Aug. 22: Fresh Hops Band, 12 p.m.; Acoustic Generation, 3 p.m.; Too White Crew, 8 p.m. ($5 cover charge)
- Aug. 23: Lake Geneva House of Music, 12 p.m.; Christopher’s Project, 8 p.m.
Arts & Craft Fair
The 20th annual Venetian Festival Arts & Crafts Fair is held Aug. 22 and 23 at Library Park on Geneva Lake. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Venetian Festival draws thousands of tourists and locals to downtown Lake Geneva to browse the 110 art booths.
This is a juried fair. Jury selection is based on appropriate quality of personally handcrafted art or craft pieces in keeping with the classic history of local craft fairs. Imported and flea market type merchandise will not be accepted.
Craft fair officials require artisans and crafters personally represent your items at our show. As applications are received, they are juried for appropriateness the fair and accepted or rejected until spaces are full. There is no waiting list or cancellation list.
Space location requests can be accommodated for medical reasons and special circumstances only. Space arrangements and numbers are different every year.
Applications may be downloaded at www.lakegenevajaycees.org.
Carnival
The carnival is put on by Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways LLC at Flat Iron Park and Seminary Park.
The carnival ground are open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10:30 p.m.
Ride specials include $20 wristbands Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
Fireworks, boat parade, water ski show
The annual Lake Geneva Jaycees Fireworks display begins at dusk on Aug. 23. Fireworks are shot off in Geneva Bay and can be viewed from Library Park, the lake front, Riviera Beach, and Flat Iron Park in down town Lake Geneva.
The water ski show is also Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. Wonder Lake Ski Team performs on Geneva Lake and may be viewed from the shoreline at Library Park and The Riviera.
The boat parade is held on Sunday night on Geneva Lake right in front of Library Park in Lake Geneva and The Riviera. The lighted boat parade starts right at dusk with a fireworks display after that. This year’s theme is “Americana.”
Beer tent
The Lake Geneva Beer Tent is open Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight.
Beverages may be purchased in the beer tent only with tokens. Tokens are available in the beer tent.
The tent will offer beverages from its sponsor, Beachwood (Budweiser). Available selections include:
Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Spotted Cow, Totally Naked, Guinness, Sprecher Hefe Weis, Shocktop Lemon Shandy, New Belgium Fat Tire, Woodchuck Cider, Lagunitas IPA, Geneva Lake Blonde, Bud Light Lime-a-rita and Razber-rita, Monster ABS 0, Monster Rehab Pink Lemonade and non-alcoholic Odouls.
