Lights Over Morse Lake Festival

The Lights Over Morse Lake Festival is a multi-day community celebration held in Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana, typically from July 3 to July 6, 2025. It features fireworks over Morse Reservoir, a parade, carnival, golf cart poker run, scavenger hunts, car show, craft and food vendors, live music, and various family-friendly activities such as music bingo, 3-on-3 basketball, pickleball, cornhole, and kids' day with face painting. The event also includes animals, tethered hot air balloon rides, and a talent show. The festival venue spans Community Park, Morse Lake, and various nearby locations. It is handicapped accessible and encourages community involvement through local business promotion and charity support.

The vibe of the festival is festive and family-friendly with a strong community spirit. It celebrates both the nation and local culture, bringing together residents of all ages in a lively and welcoming outdoor setting. The atmosphere is one of fun, camaraderie, and celebration with ample entertainment and activities for all interests and ages.

Activities at the Festival:

• Fireworks Display: Starts around 10 p.m. on July 4, viewed best near Main St / Buckeye St by the lake.
• Parade: A community parade featuring local groups and organizations.
• Carnival: Various rides, games, and food booths.
• Golf Cart Poker Run & Scavenger Hunt: Fun driving events around the area.
• Car Show: Showcasing classic and custom vehicles.
• Craft and Food Vendors: Local artisans and food providers offering unique products.
• Live Music & Music Bingo: Multiple live performances alongside interactive music games.
• Sports: 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, pickleball courts, and cornhole competitions.
• Kids’ Day: Face painting and child-centered activities.
• Animals: Likely petting zoo or animal exhibits.
• Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides: Balloon rides anchored for safety.
• Talent Show: Local performers demonstrating varied talents.

Rough Event Schedule & Locations:

• July 3 (Thursday) to July 6 (Sunday): Activities run throughout the day at Community Park and surrounding locations near Morse Lake.
• Fireworks over Morse Reservoir: July 4 at approximately 10 p.m., best visible from near the intersection of Main St and Buckeye St.
• Sporting events, carnival activities, and vendor booths operate daily in the park area.
• Golf cart events likely scheduled during daytime hours on 3rd-5th July.
• Live music and talent shows held in designated stages or community areas in the park.

Event History and Founding:

Lights Over Morse Lake was established to promote the local economy by showcasing area businesses while supporting local charities, churches, service groups, schools, and youth organizations. The festival runs mainly on donations, business sponsorships, and volunteer support, with some municipal support from the Town of Cicero. The fireworks are a key highlight but are not funded by tax dollars; rather, individual and corporate donations help cover costs. It is a longstanding tradition in the Cicero area celebrating national holidays along with community cohesion and local culture.

The festival is widely appreciated as a cornerstone summer event in Central Indiana, balancing fun, tradition, community support, and economic development in a scenic lakeside setting.