The City of Hammond’s Festival of the Lakes is in full swing. Each year the event grows larger and brings in great musical acts. On Wednesday, Ashanti and Ja Rule took the stage with a surprise appearance by Twista. Thursday, the Brothers Osborne rocked out, and on Friday legendary rock band Stone Temple Pilots put on a great show. On Saturday, Lil Wayne provided an energetic performance. The festival had carnival rides and food in addition to the live performances.
“It's really hard, but it's very satisfying now that it is actually happening," said Thomas McDermott Jr., Mayor of Hammond. “Everybody's really happy here. All of the staff have been working hard, and we all have been up too late. When you see all the residents and all the people from all over the region, it's just really satisfying.”
Trina opened up the Saturday night show where 15,000 people were expected.
“Lil Wayne is probably the biggest act we've ever had,” said McDermott. There's gonna be 15,000 people in the venue during the show, which is not over-packed at all. This is gonna be very comfortable. We have held the population down in the park on purpose, so it's a more comfortable experience. It's gonna be epic.”
On Friday, the Stone Temple Pilots played their hits including Vasoline, Wicked Garden, and Down. Local H opened up the show on Friday with an energetic opening act. Attendees came from all over the Chicagoland area, and even the country, to see the shows.
“There's a lot of advance work with signing the bands early to getting their agreements they got,” said David Woerpl, Hammond City Councilman. “The bands have been all great to work with. We are coming up on 100 headliners and that is not including the opening acts.”
The festival is more than just music performances with carnival games and rides. On Friday and Sunday, the concerts are free.
“It's fun,” said McDermott. “It's centered around music, but there's a lot more than just music that happens during the festival. We do have great food, and we have a great carnival for the kids. The music is top-notch. I don't think you're gonna find a better festival in the area with better music. You can also see the concerts for free. The only charge you'll have is $30 to park, or you can take Uber here. It's a great time and a great deal.”
Luis Angel, El Flaco, a major artist in Mexico plays at the festival on Sunday.
“Sunday night is Latin night,” said McDermott. “We have El Flaco who is a major artist in Mexico and it's going to be epic.”
“I was here 20 years ago when we had a trailer, and we were playing Festival of the Lakes on a trailer,” said McDermott. “Now we have a venue and we're hosting Lil Wayne.”
The festival continues through Sunday night. For tickets and more information, please visit festivalofthelakes.com.
