What began 82 years ago as a simple candle-lit boat parade has grown into a week-long flurry of color and pageantry that highlights the summer season and attracts tens of thousands of visitors.

The Festival offers a wonderful variety of events geared to delight and entertain every age group. Most events take place within waterfront parks, Round Lake Harbor and Lake Charlevoix.

THE FOLLOWING IS A QUICK VIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND HEADLINERS WHO ARE CONFIRMED FOR 2012 PAVILION PERFORMANCES IN EAST PARK:

• Saturday, July 21 - Aquapolooza at Ferry Beach - 5 O'Clock Somewhere
• Monday, Juy 23 - Family Movie Night and Battle of the Bands at Lake Michigan Beach
• Tuesday, July 24 - City / Community Bands
• Wednesday, July 25 - The Spinners
• Thursday, July 26 - The Farm & TBD
• Friday, July 27 - Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
• Saturday, July 28 - Brandie Spradley 
  
  MORE SPECIFICS TO FOLLOW WHEN CONFIRMED

WHAT'S MISSING AT VENETIAN?

Have you ever noticed what is missing at the Venetian Festival?http://venetianfestival.com

• It isn't live entertainment. Throughout Venetian Week, bands in East Park will be jumping with a wide variety of music. Featuring Herman's Hermits starring Peter Nooneon Friday July 27, 2012 for Friday Night Entertainment following the Venetian Queen Coronation Ceremony!
• It isn't kids' activities. The Venetian Games include kids and teens in soccer, basketball, running, boarding, sailing, volleyball, golf and tennis tournaments. Teens are provided their own music venue at the "Battle of the Bands." Kid's Day at Lake Michigan Beach also provides a slew of low and no cost children’s entertainment.
• It isn't spectator opportunities. The street parade and the boat parade have entertained spectators for decades.
• It certainly won’t be fireworks that are missing, considering the festival features two nights of world class fireworks displays.

What’s missing is admission prices. All of the big events and entertainment offered at the Venetian Festival are absolutely free to the public. The Venetian tradition has thrived, however, through the support of loyal Venetian fans.