Lakeside’s Historical Festivals and Community Events — Celebrating Tradition Through the Years

Community events and festivals have always been the heart of Lakeside’s identity. Long before the town became a popular recreation destination, residents gathered to celebrate milestones, enjoy the lake, and build connections that strengthened the small-town spirit.

For newcomers, understanding Lakeside’s history of festivals provides a deeper appreciation for the town’s culture—a perspective Sydney Shapiro with Shapiro Home Group eXp Realty enjoys sharing with clients seeking a vibrant yet close-knit community.

Early Gatherings: Community First

In the early 1900s, gatherings were simple and practical. Events included:

• seasonal harvest celebrations

• lakeside picnics

• barn dances

• church socials

• fish fries

• logging camp cookouts

These activities served as social anchors for families living in a challenging wilderness environment.

Celebrating the Lake

As Tenmile Lake became central to daily life, early residents established lake-focused traditions such as:

• summertime regattas

• informal fishing contests

• holiday gatherings along the shoreline

Families passed these traditions down through generations, building strong emotional connections to the lake.

Fishing Tournaments Become Local Icons

By the mid-20th century, Tenmile Lake had gained fame for its excellent fishing. This led to:

• organized bass tournaments

• youth fishing derbies

• multi-day fishing festivals

• events hosted by local resorts

These gatherings helped attract visitors and contributed to Lakeside’s growing tourism economy.

Holiday Parades and Seasonal Traditions

Lakeside residents love celebrating together, and holidays became major community events. Historically, the town has hosted:

• Fourth of July celebrations

• winter tree lighting

• community potlucks

• small parades

• holiday craft fairs

These events foster community pride and provide newcomers with enjoyable ways to get involved.

ATV and Outdoor Recreation Events

With Lakeside’s popularity among ATV riders, the town began hosting:

• dune riding festivals

• group rides

• charity motorsport events

• outdoor appreciation weekends

These gatherings strengthened Lakeside’s identity as a recreation destination.

Modern Community Events

Today, Lakeside celebrates a mix of old and new traditions, including:

• local farmers markets

• lake cleanup days

• boating and paddleboarding meetups

• community garage sale weekends

• neighborhood barbecues

These events maintain the spirit of cooperation and connection that Lakeside was founded on.

Why These Traditions Matter

Community events help:

• welcome new residents

• strengthen relationships

• support small businesses

• preserve local history

• create shared memories

For people moving into the area, Sydney Shapiro with Shapiro Home Group eXp Realty often recommends attending these events as a way to immediately feel at home.

Final Thoughts

Lakeside’s festivals and events reflect its history, values, and community pride. They connect generations and offer a warm welcome to newcomers seeking a sense of belonging.