Grace College’s water research center, Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, hosted the fourth annual Northern Indiana Lakes Festival. The festival took place on June 9 at Center Lake and Sunday, June 10 at Winona Lake. “The lakes are vital to our economy, environment, recreation and our very sense of community. The Lakes Festival was able to celebrate this by creating opportunities to both experience and be educated about the lakes,” said Anna Burke, Lakes Festival coordinator and Kosciusko Lakes and Streams program manager. Attendees participated in the numerous fun and educational events the festival offered. Children and adults alike learned how to keep lakes and streams clean from displays provided by nonprofit organizations. There was also tremendous participation in the Wild Goose Chase Adventure Race, Run for Orphans 5K, Warsaw Aqua Mile, Grace Classic Bass Fishing Tournament and other new events associated with the festival. Other activities included canoeing and kayaking, a concert in the park and a Lake City Skiers performance. “We are so appreciative of the wonderful community members that helped us be successful this year; the sponsors, event organizers, volunteers, attendees, everyone.” The event was made possible by the efforts of 142 volunteers and 60 community businesses and organizations. Nate Bosch, director of Kosciusko Lakes and Streams and the Lakes Festival, says “We went from having 1,300 attendees last year to 2,000 this year. I’m excited that we involved more people in our community and hope that we can involve even more next year.” The 2013 Lakes Festival will be June 8 and 9. The Lakes Festival is organized by Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, a center for water research, education and collaboration at Grace College. Major sponsors for the Lakes Festival included Biomet, Zimmer, CenturyLink, the K21 Health Foundation, Louis Dreyfus, Metzger Trucking and Silveus Insurance Group. To learn more about Kosciusko Lakes and Strems, visit www.water.grace.edu
