Black Hawk Lake Summer Water Carnival

The 56th Annual Black Hawk Lake Summer Water Carnival begins Friday, July 17th and runs through Sunday, July 19th. The weekend is packed with events for the entire family, many revolving around the waters of Black Hawk Lake. What started in 1952 as a small carnival with dances and boat races has grown into an annual tradition that attracts 20,000 + visitors to the shores of Black Hawk Lake.

For the 2009 Water Carnival - the Kiddie Parade will be held on the sidewalk between the Stone Piers on Friday night. The Kiddie Parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. Following the Kiddie Parade, a local talent show will take place on the stage near the west Stone Pier. The McDermott Midway and the local food stands will open at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening.

Saturday is a big day! Events for the day are the Lion's Club Waffle Feed, the Big Street Parade, a pedal tractor pull, and the Bill Riley Talent show.

The headlining event of the Water Carnival is the Parade of Water Floats held on the waters of Black Hawk Lake at dusk on Saturday. Boats pull decorated pontoons that are lit by using generator power. This awe-inspiring parade on the water draws tens of thousands of spectators each year. The fun-filled weekend concludes with a beautiful fireworks display after dark on Sunday over the waters of Black Hawk Lake.

On both Saturday and Sunday, craft vendors will be displaying at "Art in the Park." Also, midway rides by McDermott Shows, the Black Hawk Men's Club Beer Garden, and local food and entertainment stands will begin on Friday evening and run all weekend long.

On Sunday, visitors will be treated to a wide variety of entertainment, including the annual Little Miss Black Hawk Pageant. The Little Miss Black Hawk pageant has been held each year since 1970.

As always, there is no admission charge to enjoy the entertainment at the Black Hawk Lake Summer Water Carnival!