Lakeside Chautauqua Celebrates 150 Years
Whether you're looking to spend a few hours, a couple of days or an entire season at Lakeside Chautauqua, the 150th anniversary offers activities for all ages and interests.
In 1873, a group of people gathered along the Lake Erie shoreline in Ohio, envisioning a place where they could gather for worship and lecture studies. They found a beautiful lakeside spot and set up tents. A year later, they built Hotel Lakeside and the rest, as they say, is history.
“Lakeside is a family destination for rest, renewal and reinvigoration,” says Gretchen Colon, vice president of advancement and marketing for Lakeside Chautauqua.
Built upon the pillars of religion, education, arts and recreation, Lakeside Chautauqua’s calendar of events is filled Memorial Day through Labor Day with activities geared toward nurturing one’s well-being. An afternoon could be spent at the beach or pool, taking an art class, enjoying live music by the water, attending a lecture or playing tennis, pickleball, sand volleyball or shuffleboard.
“There’s really something for everyone, and, more importantly, something for multiple generations,” Colon says.
And although Lakeside Chautauqua is a gated community requiring an entrance fee during the summer, newcomers are always greeted with open arms. “Lakeside is open to everyone,” Colon says. “You can get a 90-minute shopping and dining pass or book a cottage for a weekend or week. Some people love it so much that they stay for the entire summer.”
This year, as Lakeside Chautauqua celebrates its 150th anniversary, programming will focus on honoring the past, celebrating the present and looking to the future. That means an impressive lineup of prominent preachers and nationally recognized authors and thought leaders. There’s also a full line-up of entertainment, including Blood, Sweat & Tears (July 8) in Hoover Auditorium.
“Lakeside is needed now more than ever,” Colon says. “People are looking for a place of purpose and ways to step out of the hustle and bustle to renew and rest. We’re celebrating that this year by helping people and families do that along the shoreline.”
Visit lakesideohio.com for a complete schedule of 2023 activities and events.
