Summer's Starting to Sizzle! (July 2026)

The docks are back in the water, the smell of sunscreen is in the air, and the hum of boat motors is the soundtrack we've all been waiting for. Summer at the lake is what the whole year builds toward. Welcome back!

Our next board meeting is July 4 at 10:00 AM at the Boat Launch. Board meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to come.

Independence Day

This year's boat parade theme is America's 250th birthday. The parade starts at 8:00 PM on Saturday, July 4, with cash prizes for the top four entries. It's free to enter, and you don't need to be an ELCOA member to take part in any ELCOA-sponsored event.

Registration and flare sales: 11:00 AM to noon at the Boat Launch, right after the board meeting. You can also pick up a number at Shirley Miller's cottage, just west of the Boat Launch. Registration takes your name and gives you a number to display on your boat so the judges can vote.
Flares at dusk: the Flare Boat circles the lake twice to signal the lighting of flares around the shoreline. Thank you to Kevin Pillon for volunteering to pull the Flare Boat this year.
Fireworks: organized and provided later in the evening by Mike and April Corrias and their friend Roger.

Community news

Lake spraying moved to July 7

Our lake sprayer, Jeff, has rescheduled spraying to July 7 (previously June 30) for medical reasons.

Floating dock needs help

Mark Scott no longer has free labor for the floating dock project. There is $150 set aside and the materials are estimated at about $800. If you can give time or materials, please reach out to Mark.

Volunteers needed

Got an hour to spare? Help run kids' games, judge the chili cook-off, or lend a hand cleaning up the Boat Launch and beach. Watch for upcoming opportunities.

Trout Lake dam may be removed

The Michigan DNR is recommending removal of the Trout Lake dam in the Gladwin Field Trial Area after a 2024 state inspection found it in poor condition. The lake is being drawn down while a final decision is made; repair and removal are both costly and currently unfunded. Residents have started a "Save Trout Lake!" group and petition. (As reported by WCMU.)

Memorial Day weekend

More than 30 vehicles registered for the Memorial Day parade, all decked out in red, white, and blue. ELCOA President Mark Scott opened with a tribute to the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The parade looped the lake and up N. Athey and Northwoods Trail before returning to the Boat Launch for a hot dog lunch from Grill Master Mike and the awards.

Best-decorated winners: 1st place Jake Madell, 2nd place Sally Rouse, 3rd place Patrick Neighbors.

From the May 23 board meeting

Membership: 17 forms in so far, with $115 each designated for the fish fund and the boat launch gravel fund. About 80 members joined last year.
Boat launch light: the pole's electric bill has gone unpaid for months because it's addressed to Franklin Township. Marty Neighbors is following up with the township.
Floating dock: see above. $150 on hand, about $800 needed.
Fireworks: Roger funds the boat launch show himself (typically $2,000 to $3,000). Donations to offset his cost can go to Mike or April Corrias.
Hayride: Sally Rouse and Tonya Patterson are chairing.
Water testing: Charlie Smith will keep arranging porta-johns and lake water samples.

Thank you to our local supporters

Express Rental, Hunter's Paradise, and Kelly's Tree Service.

Join the Chatter

Elbow Lake Chatter is the official voice of ELCOA. Send local news, comments, ideas, or photos to contact@elcoa.org.