The Clean Lakes Festival was started in 2007 by the Mad-City Water Ski Team. The ski team has been a fixture in downtown Madison for nearly 50 years, and had first-hand experience with the decline of area water quality. With a strong membership, energy and a vested interest to improve the quality of our lakes, the ski team decided to create the Clean Lakes Festival to create awareness and raise money to support lake clean-up projects.
2007
The first annual Clean Lakes Festival, held at Warner Park, was a success, however the venue did not allow enough access to on-water activities. The event featured a 5K run/walk, Lakes Education area, music and food…and raised nearly $20,000. The money was donated to Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission to support additional weed harvesting on area lakes.
2008
The Festival moved to Olin/Turville Park to accommodate more water activities and was a better venue for musical performances, viewing festival activities and overall enjoyment of Lake Monona. In addition to the 5K Run/Walk, there were opportunities to try canoes and kayaks, sailboards, and free rides by Betty Lou Cruises. A local talent stage and three bands created a festive atmosphere throughout the park. Almost $30,000 was raised and the funds were used to help Dane County pay for GPS monitoring of the weed harvesters on the lakes.
2009
The second year at Olin featured the addition of paddling race, a barefoot water ski endurance race and water ski lessons. Despite cold and rainy conditions for the second year in a row, the festival raised over $40,000. The focus for the use of funds changed to more long range approach rather than focusing on temporary solutions to improve the quality of the lakes. The 2009 funds were used to help fund a position on the Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership and to help fund a storm water filtration project in Middleton.
2010
This year’s event will be bigger and better with the addition of a Rowing Regatta, a Sailing Regatta, a Kid’s Sailboat Race, and a Log Rolling competition and demo. The date of the festival has been moved to August 28 to allow for summer-long promotion and perhaps a chance at better weather conditions. In addition to our wonderful sponsors that continue to see our event as a viable conduit to change in our area lakes, we have added a lead sponsor in Lands’ End that will significantly increase the legitimacy, visibility and bottom line profit of the cause.
Don Heilman
Chairman, Clean Lakes Committee
