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.

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 THINK FLOYD USA on Friday July 22, 2011 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.