BENTON - The 45th annual Rend Lake Water Festival fair and carnival is in full swing and will continue through Saturday with plenty of entertainment ongoing throughout Benton and West City.
The festival is sponsored by the Benton West City Area Chamber of Commerce; the carnival provided by Brady’s Amusement.
The theme for this year's festival is "Celebrate our Community," but on Wednesday night it was the community that was doing the bulk of the celebrating. A big crowd turned out for the second night of the fair, as people of all ages made their way down through the thoroughfare to gawk at the various amusements, and to see the sights, ride the rides, and grab some tasty treats.
Bruce Nance attended the fair to spend a romantic evening with his new fiancée Terena Starling, also of Benton. They said they were there to see the sights, and enjoy each other’s company, as they were among the many in attendance that enjoyed the view of the carnival from high atop the ferris wheel as it made its graceful turns in the cool night air.
Benton resident Bryan Drew said his kids, Harrison and Aurora, love to come out and have fun on the rides, and his wife is a big fan of the funnel cakes. Matt and Amy Clark, both of Benton attend the fair every year with their children, and were among the many waiting in line before the festivities were underway. Jessica Fowler also attends every year. This year is the first time she's been able to bring along her 1-year-old son Easton, who she said was dazzled by all of the bright lights and spinning attractions.
The carnival is located on the northeast corner of the Benton Square, and is open this week, on weekdays from 6-10 p.m., and will be open Saturday from 11a.m.-4 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. respectively. Tickets to the carnival are $2.50 each or 10 for $22. Armbands are $17 and grand unlimited access to most rides at the event.
