Celina Chamber highlights Lake Festival weekend and upcoming events

The Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce is reminding residents about several community events planned throughout the coming weeks, beginning with a busy Celina Lake Festival weekend.

The Celina Farmers Market will be open Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. The year-round market features locally grown, homemade and locally produced goods, along with weekly activities for children. Cooper Farms will provide this Saturday’s children’s activity.

The Mercer Health 5K Challenge continues Saturday with the Celina Lake Festival 5K. The out-and-back course follows Grand Lake along West Bank Road. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m.

The Lake Festival will also feature its annual arts and crafts fair, amusement rides, live entertainment, a car show and cruise-in, Friday evening fireworks and the Grand Parade on Saturday.

Discounted ride tickets remain available at the chamber office for $12. The presale tickets provide unlimited rides on one day of the festival and are offered at the reduced price through support from the Celina Eagles and Celina Moose lodges. Ride passes purchased at the festival will cost $25.

The chamber office is located at 121 East Logan Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The Mercer County District Library will hold its annual Lake Festival book sale in the Book Barn from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Saturday will also be Bag Day.

The Celina Summer Concert Series will conclude Sunday, July 26, with Leadfoot performing at the Lakeshore Park Amphitheater. The band performs country music ranging from outlaw classics to current hits.

The Mercer County Marksman 4-H Club will serve food before the concert, with freewill donations accepted.

Western & Southern Life will host a Versiti Blood Center blood drive Monday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot at 804 East Wayne Street. The mobile blood drive will help supply blood for patients in Mercer County. Donors may register by calling 937-461-3220.

The Lake Improvement Association is also accepting teams for its 25th annual Barstool Open on August 8. Four-person teams will play miniature golf at participating locations around Grand Lake, traveling by land or water. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine.

Additional event information is available through the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.