ANNOUNCING: July 4th 2026 Parade Decorating Contest

Decorate It. Float It. Show It Off.

Attention all Staples Lake cabin and campground residents!

It’s time to get creative and show off your lake spirit. Whether you have a pontoon, boat, kayak, canoe—or anything else that floats—you’re invited to join the fun. If it floats and displays a visible FIRE NUMBER or LOT NUMBER as part of the 4th of July lake parade, it can be judged in the contest. Whether your theme is patriotic, hilarious, over-the-top, or completely unique—we want to see it!

How to Enter

Participation in the parade is open to everyone, but the decorating contest is optional. To be eligible for judging:

1) Display your FIRE NUMBER or CAMPGROUND LOT NUMBER on a large piece of paper, poster board, or sign.

2) Your number must be clearly visible to the judges during the parade as you pass by Mixed Up.

3) Only entries displaying a visible fire number or lot number will be judged.

4) Parade line-up begins in the bay @ noon on Saturday, July 4th.

No advance registration is required.

Judging

Judging will be by Chad, Liz, and the Mixed Up Crew (from the shoreline at Mixed Up). The parade will make two passes around the lake, giving judges plenty of opportunity to view each decorated entry. Make sure your number is easy to read so judges can clearly identify your entry. Prizes will be awarded for: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Winner Announcement

Winning entries will be posted on the home page of www.StaplesLake.com and contacted using the information we have on file for your fire number or campground lot number

If you believe you placed but have not been contacted, please email: info@stapleslake.com. Prize pickup details will be shared directly with the winners.

Photos

We highly recommend taking at least one photo of your decorated entry before the parade, including: Your crew, decorations and FIRE NUMBER / LOT NUMBER. All contest participants are welcome to submit photos for posting on the website. Winning entries will be featured first. Send photos to: Email: info@stapleslake.com
Text: 612-704-9537

Have Fun!

Be original. Be creative. Be patriotic. Be ridiculous.

Most importantly—have fun and help us create a new Staples Lake tradition that everyone can enjoy for years to come. Questions?
info@stapleslake.com

Welcome to Staples Lake

Where We Are: Staples Lake is a close-knit lake community in Comstock, Wisconsin, spanning both Polk and Barron Counties. With roughly 340 acres of water and a relaxed Northwoods feel, it’s a place where people come to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and stay connected season after season. Located just 1 to 1.5 hours from the Twin Cities, Staples Lake has long been a favorite getaway for families, cabin owners, and visitors.

Life Outdoors: Fishing, hunting, boating, trail riding, and time on the water are part of everyday life here. Nearby ATV and UTV trails, snowmobiling routes, and wooded land make outdoor recreation a year-round experience.

Beyond the Shoreline: Life at Staples Lake extends into nearby towns like Turtle Lake and Cumberland, where you’ll find dining, shopping, entertainment, and local gathering spots — including the lakeside bar and grill Mixed Up Staples Lake.

A Community at the Core: From family cabins and year-round homes to properties within the lakeside trailer and RV community, everyone contributes to the shared life of the lake.

Why this Site Exists:

This site was created to celebrate that connection — to share history, highlight lake life, support community involvement, and help preserve Staples Lake for the future.

Learn More

Lake Life

Pull Up a Chair!

From lakeside patios to nearby town favorites, Staples Lake offers plenty of places to eat, drink, and unwind.

Local Favorites

Ride in. Ride out. Repeat.

Staples Lake sits at the center of a well-connected network of ATV and UTV trails across Polk and Barron Counties, making it easy to explore by trail.

Explore Trails & Riding

Got a Staples Lake story?

Fun times, great memories, traditions, landmarks, parties, parades, and picnics — they’re all part of the lake’s legacy. Share a memory or photo and help us preserve the story of Staples Lake.

Share a Memory

Protecting what brings us together.

Learn how Staples Lake works with the Wisconsin DNR to monitor water quality, support healthy shorelines, and preserve the lake for future generations.

Learn About Lake Protection

Big project? Big tree? Big questions?

Not sure who to call or where to start? We’ve gathered some local contacts and essential services to make it easier.

Go To Resources