EVANSVILLE, Wis. -- The city of Evansville kicked off its Fourth of July festival a couple days early, but this year's celebration was about more than just Independence Day.

The city rededicated Lake Leota, which was restored last winter.

"It's just such a good feeling and accomplishment for our community to see a project that really was quite complicated accomplished," said Evansville Mayor Sandy Decker.

The lake had been down to just one foot deep in some areas and was dredged for three months during the winter.

Evansville's Fourth of July festival continues through the weekend.