October 24, 2004

Conneaut Lake Institute Looks Ahead To 2005

Conneaut Lake Institute provides answers to those who ask "How can we help Conneaut Lake Park?" by offering opportunities through its fund drive to benefit Conneaut Lake Park and through membership in the Conneaut Lake Institute that plays an active role in promoting Park activities.

"Keep the Memories Coming", the public fund drive for Conneaut Lake Park, is sponsored by the Institute. By letter and personal solicitation, $53,000 has been raised and further contributions, large or small, are needed. Also, the Institute is asking concerned citizens to call, write, or email our state legislators to request release of the three million dollars in the state 2004 budget designated for the Hotel Conneaut and infrastructure improvements to buildings in the Park.

You may ask, "Why is it so important to preserve Conneaut Lake Park?". In the summer alone, the Park employs 250 people, college students saving for tuition and retirees supplementing their income. It is the only free public access to a beach on Conneaut Lake. It brings 200,000 visitors to Crawford County each summer, and now that it is a Public Trust, it belongs to all of us.

New docks and amusement ride repairs were paid for by the Institute with monies donated to our fund drive. Proceeds from souvenir sales including the popular video and DVD "Greetings from Conneaut Lake Park" are being donated to Conneaut Lake Park. Institute members and volunteers were in the Park all season improving the appearance of the hotel, the Park grounds and serving the public in many capacities. There are many opportunities for rewarding activities as a volunteer.

Volunteers are needed as plans are considered for the Institute's involvement in the Park's 2005 schedule. CLI is sponsoring the following events for next year:  a Rib Fest on June 2, 3, 4 and 5, "Art on the Boardwalk", a juried arts and crafts show June 25 and 26, The Fifth Annual Blue Streak Challenge on July 11, the second annual "Ladies Day Out" in mid-July and our second annual Photography Contest. Other events planned for the 2005 season include "The Golden Adventure", Antique Boat Show, Do-Wop festivities during Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, Wild West Weekend, Pumpin Fest, Holiday in the Park, Biker weekends, bands, fireworks and much more. Plans include adding events during more than just the summer months.

Conneaut Lake Institute was founded in 1999 with the mission of promoting recreational and cultural events in the entire Conneaut Lake area, including Conneaut Lake Park. It is a 501 c 3, non-profit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors, and members who are committed to preserving the heritage of the Conneaut Lake area and promoting it's value.

Contributions are tax-deductible. Monies received and the value of an in-kind donation made will be matched by Mercer County State Bank to the Park in the form of an additional loan to the amount of up to $150,000. For further information on memberships, financial donations, in-kind donations, and volunteer opportunities, please contact Conneaut Lake Institute, P.O. Box 111, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, phone 814-382-1289, or email president@conneautlakeinstitute.org.