2025 has been quite a year for Deep Creek Lake, and folks here in Garrett County have been celebrating since January! The lake’s 100th birthday is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s been a year-long reminder of why this body of water, Maryland’s largest man-made lake, matters to so many, whether you grew up swimming in the lake or were lucky to discover it on a summer getaway.
I meet people almost every weekend who technically don’t live in Deep Creek, but the familiar words ring out “My family has been coming here for years!”
In recognition of this important milestone and the work that went into making all the celebrations so successful, I’d like to shine a light on the Deep Creek Lake Centennial (DCL100) Committee, which partnered with community organizations, schools, and businesses to weave the lake’s nostalgia and heritage into nearly every minute of the year.
The DCL100 committee members, whom we thank for their tireless efforts, are as follows:
This crew helped to kick off festivities back in January with a cozy but lively launch party at Dutch’s at Silver Tree, where more than a hundred friends, neighbors, and visitors gathered.
Next, the Deep Creek Dunk carried its usual chilly thrill over the course of two frigid days in February. I personally attended several Trivia nights at Ace’s Run hosted by Connor Norman and Chris Nichols. It was interesting and not-at-all surprising to lose to a table that included Karen Meyers and the Taylor Made crew with Martin Heisse as a ringer. The topics even sparked a debate about the number of miles of Deep Creek Lake’s shoreline.
I won’t spoil the answer, but if you know, comment on our social media page with your answer.
“As the year progressed, we saw special lectures, an adventure race, a recreation fair, and the much-loved Taste of Garrett County filled bellies and sparked conversations about how food connects us to this place,” said committee member Chris Nichols.
Even Deep Creek Lake State Park opened its gates for several free-admission days, offering an open invitation for locals and visitors alike to experience the lake’s beauty. “And don’t forget how the committee members (see list above) were supported by the Department of Natural Resources and state park volunteer groups,” Nichols added.
Then, the real show stealer of the centennial year came in mid-summer with the DCL100 Birthday Bash on July 19th, held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. DCL100 committee member Missy Gralish took the ball and ran with it to pull together a vision. Ad- mission was just a quarter—a thoughtful nod to the lake’s 1925 beginnings—and more than 8,000 people poured in for the daylong celebration. “Karen Meyers and I really thought long and hard about a way to make a community event that was accessible to everyone,” Gralish explained.
Music drifted through the air, artisans showcased their crafts, kids darted through clouds of bubbles, and families snapped photos among birthday-themed decorations. Food stands run by local non-profits served up hometown flavors while storytellers and historians shared tales of the lake’s past. The night ended with a show-stopping drone display by Firefly Drones, with 300 synchronized drones tracing the story of Deep Creek Lake in the summer sky, from water-skiers to the centennial logo, glowing above an awestruck crowd. “There were those who wanted to do fireworks for the celebration, but I’m happy we took a risk on bringing something new and exciting to showcase Deep Creek Lake and its culture,” Gralish said.
“I think one of the key elements to having such a large turnout was having a nice balance between family-friendly activities and the refreshments served at our makeshift Biergarten,” Gralish continued.
And most recently, August brought the DCL100 Roaring 20’s themed Gala held at Wisp Resort, where hundreds of guests donned their favorite flapper dresses, feathered headbands, and fedoras to dance the night away to live big band music.
Beyond the big events, the centennial has left a legacy in smaller but equally meaningful ways. Limited-edition coins, lake-themed flags, and artist-designed souvenirs became cherished keepsakes. The Time Capsule Project encouraged residents to tuck away letters, photos, and tokens of life in 2025, all to be revealed when Deep Creek Lake turns 200. Over 20 new historical and educational signs now dot the lake area, offering bite-sized stories, bits of science, and local lore for curious passersby. Online archives are growing with maps, photographs, and first-hand accounts, ensuring future generations can understand and appreciate the lake’s history.
Several items are still available in the DCL100 online store found at https://dcl100.square.site/s/shop
Importantly, the centennial has sparked a renewed commitment to accessibility, environmental stewardship, and education. Partnerships with local schools have led to hands-on, science-based field trips to the lake, connecting students with the water in new and personal ways.
And the party isn’t over yet. The weekend after Labor Day promises a water sports exhibition at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
When the last event wraps, the centennial celebration will leave behind more than memories—it will leave a reminder of what makes this place worth protecting for the next 100 years. This year is proof that the lake is as much about the people as it is about the water. And in that sense, the celebration will never really end.
Written by Collen DuBose