I know I say this every year, but this year's Festival of the Lakes promises to be the best ever!

Not only do we have the best main stage music talent lineup that we've ever had, but we have many spinoff events that promise that this festival has something to please everyone.

Hammond is very fortunate to have three lakes to showcase: Wolf Lake, George Lake and Lake Michigan. The city hosts events on each of these locations because it allows us to share our natural resources with everyone.

It is through the generosity of the business community that we are able to keep admission to this event free. Parking is only $10 per vehicle. The fest, set for July 16 to 20, has become one of Hammond's biggest tourist attractions of the summer.

Whenever I see folks out and about, they always ask me two things: What music acts are playing and what's new at the festival this year?

Let's start with what's new. Starting at 8 a.m. July 19 is the annual fishing derby. This year, the Shedd Aquarium is bringing out its environmental awareness program for kids called Listen to Your Lakes. This informative and fun exhibit will offer two free tickets for entry to the Shedd Aquarium to each fishing derby participant who wins a trophy this year. There will also be a rod and reel combination given out to the first 175 participants 15 and younger.

The second new exhibit on July 19 will arrive about 3 p.m. The American Cancer Society is bringing the motor coach called The Fight Back Express. This exhibit is interactive and promotes cancer awareness. Cancer survivors tell their stories and the society invites all visitors to autograph the coach.

As far as the main stage music talent lineup, we've booked some huge nationally known acts: The O'Jays, John Michael Montgomery, Lone Star, Live, Sugar Ray, Santana's original lead singer Gregg Rolie and War. We also have some sensational local talent: The Velvet Touch of Luci D'Mari, New Phaze entertains at the polka party, History's End, Nicole Jamrose and Together.

I cannot leave you without mentioning the Odyssey dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. We start boarding the luxurious vessel at 6 p.m. July 15. It makes the trip down from Chicago's Navy Pier and picks us up at The Hammond Marina. We cruise the shoreline of Lake Michigan and check out the fantastic Chicago skyline while enjoying live entertainment and a delicious dinner.

This is undeniably a special event to kick off the festival, and very economical if you've been wanting to go on a dinner cruise but don't want the hassle of traveling to downtown Chicago. Tickets are available at the Civic Center box office or online at www.gohammond.com for $90 each.

Mark your calendar and be sure to join us this summer from July 16-20. For more information about all of the activities the festival will offer, visit www.festivalofthelakes.com.

- Donna Muta is special events coordinator for the City of Hammond. Her opinions are her own. Contact her at mutad@gohammond.com.