Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mandeville will celebrate its 28th annual “Festival of the Lake” Oct. 15-17 by bringing back the lineup of big name musical performers including four-time Grammy nominee Marcia Ball.

The music festival, which is free and open to the public, gets under way Friday evening from 5-11 p.m. on the school’s campus in Old Mandeville located at 316 Lafitte St., offering games, crafts, food and entertainment for all ages. The non-stop music festival continues Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 7 p.m.

“This is the fourth year that Marcia Ball is the musical headliner for the Festival of the Lake as she has always drawn a great loyal following with her spirited concerts, and her fans are elated that she is back for another free show,” said Chris Schott, this year’s festival chairman. Ball’s performance is scheduled for Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. with other big musical acts scheduled all weekend including: New Orleans Rhythm & Blues Company (Friday 5:30-7:30 p.m.); Northshore’s most popular band, Four Unplugged (Friday 8-11 p.m.); Sharon Schech (Saturday 12:30-3 p.m.); classic rock band Austin Sicard & The Medics (Saturday 4-7 p.m.); Marcia Ball (Saturday 8-11 p.m.); Boogie Falaya (Sunday 12:30-3 p.m.); classic country band Christian Serpas & GHOSTOWN (Sunday 4-7 p.m.).

In addition to the non-stop musical entertainment on the main stage throughout the weekend, teen music lovers will be treated to a special “Battle of Bands” competition of local musicians in the Chotin Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.

The festival will feature more than 30 game booths, 20 food booths and more than 25 craft booths. There will be lots of games and rides for young children including this year’s new addition of Dodge Ball, Water Tag, The Wizzer, Children’s Train and the ever popular Rock Climbing Wall.

Some of the mouthwatering dishes to be served include smoked turkey legs, barbeque brisket, shrimp Caesar salad and chicken Caesar salad as well as scrumptious, fresh shrimp, catfish and crawfish po-boys. Floral arrangements, glassware, crocheted items and handmade Christmas ornaments are just some of the craft items available for purchase at the expanded Arts and Crafts Tent.

This year’s festival will also include the first annual Vintage Car Show on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the festival grounds.

The festival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit  www.ollparish.info/festival.aspx.