Annual celebration set for July 1-3
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
For the first time since the 1980s, carnival rides are returning to Twin Lakes’ annual Libertyfest celebration set for July 1-3.
The return of Carnival Rides, provided by Kaye Brothers, was driven by popular demand, according Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association Executive Director Marilyn Trongeau.
“People have been asking for rides for many years. It is hard to get a small carnival over the Fourth of July weekend. We found someone able to accommodate our venue,” she said.
Although the event does not have a gate to track attendance, Trongeau noted about 1,900 people purchase wristbands for the annual event in Twin Lakes, and actual figures are higher.
“Wristbands are for people to be able to drink alcohol. So then you have to consider all the families and non-drinkers that come over and above that number,” she added.
The three-day event opening Friday has acoustic country musician Nora Collins leading off the entertainment with Pat Watters Band following up.
Additionally, a Saturday, 11 a.m., parade featuring community organizations.
Trongeau said the parade offers the community an opportunity to come together in the name of fun.
“The parade route is lined with lots of families and people of all ages from Legion Park all the way to Lance Park,” Trongeau said. “Of course the kids love the candy and freeze pops that are handed out at the parade.”
Organizers are still seeking participants and floats for the Libertyfest parade.
Jazz and blues musician Kyle Young, is slated for a Saturday, July 2, performance, capped off by a fireworks show at dusk.
Libertyfest is not limited to live entertainment. Duck races return for the third straight year along with cash prizes awarded to the top six finishers.
The duck races are held near the Aquanuts performance site.
“The Randall Fire Department creates a track with inflated fire hoses,” Trongeau explained. “The ducks are dropped into the water and the fire department creates a current in the water for ducks to race.”
Each duck has a number matching a raffle ticket bought that offers cash prizes.
The winner receives $200, while second place gets $100 and third takes home $50.
Ducks finishing fourth through sixth get $25.
Tickets for the Duck Races are available at the Twin Lakes Chamber and Business Association before the competition.
Other competitions include Twin Lakes Idol and bingo.
Capping off Libertyfest’s live entertainment Sunday is swing music group Bob’s Little Big Band and the Affects.
Trongeau stated that, in addition to parade applicants, organizers are also looking for food, craft and retail vendors to line Lance Park.
The annual event is a substantial benefit to all involved.
“Anything that brings the community together for a celebration benefits everyone,” Trongeau said. “Neighbors get to know each other. Businesses that help to sponsor the event get recognition.”
The best part? There is no admission fee.
“Twin Lakes becomes the place to come for fun and entertainment without having an admittance charge, so anyone on any budget can have some fun,” she stated.