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BY CHAS REILLY
Times Correspondent | Monday, July 24, 2006 | (1 comment(s))
HAMMOND | Hammond's Festival of the Lakes concluded Sunday bringing in the biggest crowd the event has ever seen.
The five-day event brought in more than 50,000 people, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said.
"This is the biggest year we've had without a doubt," McDermott said.
People came from Indiana as well as all over the United States to take part in the celebration of Hammond's three lakes.
The festival included several types of activities, which made it easy to for everyone to find something they enjoyed.
"I think it's nice out here every year," said Darlene Cunegin, of Gary.
People had the chance to play games, go on amusement rides and even take a free pontoon boat ride on Wolf Lake.
Yet one of the biggest attractions at the event was the live music.
The Festival of the Lakes brought in well-known musical artists from several genres. The artists included country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, rockers Cheap Trick and The Temptations.
Many participants said they were shocked to find out they only had to pay the $5 parking fee to see the well-known acts.
"Name me any place in Chicago for $5 gives you all this," McDermott said, "You can't beat that."
The Temptations performed Sunday evening at Wolf Lake and brought in a crowd of young and old.
"No matter what age you are, you can appreciate their music," said Harold Walker, of Fort Wayne.
Many people showed up at the festival hours before The Temptations performed just to get a good seat.
"I can't miss my Temptations," said Cheryl Bennett, of Calumet City.
Bennett has been a Temptations fan since they started and she has traveled all over the United States just to see their concerts.
"This is something I couldn't miss," Bennett said.
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Mary wrote on Jul 19, 2007 1:12 PM: