Leaves Are Falling, Chili's Calling! (October 2026)

Fall is here, and the Hayride, Trunk-or-Treat, and Chili & Soup Cook-Off is Saturday, October 10 at the Boat Launch. Grab a costume, bring your appetite (and some cash for People's Choice votes and raffles), and read on for the full rundown. Plus: a look back at the Sub Crawl, fish stocking news, and what the board has been working on.

October 10: Hayride & Chili/Soup Cook-Off

This year's headline event is Saturday, October 10 at the Boat Launch. Chili and soup judging starts at 12:30 PM sharp (judges only), and all other activities start at 1:00 PM. Here's the full day, from the organizers' timeline:

1:00 PM: Hot dogs, soup, and chili are ready. Please wait until 1:00 PM to arrive; the judges are at work from 12:30.
2:00 PM: Costume contests, with prizes in five age groups: 0-3, 4-7, 8-12, 13-17, and 18+.
2:30 PM: Trunk-or-Treat. Decorate any type of vehicle for a chance to win a prize, and bring candy to pass.
3:00 PM: Raffle and 50/50 announcement.
3:30 PM: Piñata.
Then: cookie or cupcake decorating, painting pumpkins and gourds, and hayrides to follow.

Chili & Soup Cook-Off: neighbors' chili and soup go head to head for 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place prizes in each category, plus ribbons for best-decorated table. Cash prizes are bigger this year. There's still time to enter: nine chili and soup recipes were signed up as of October 6. To enter, comment on the Facebook event or message Tonya Patterson. For People's Choice, every $1 is one vote, and the pot that raises the most wins a trophy and a prize, so bring cash to support your favorite.

Cornhole: there won't be a cornhole tournament this year, because no one is available to run it. If you'd like to organize one next year, let the board know at contact@elcoa.org.

Halloween house decorating contest: have your house fully decorated by 7:00 PM on Friday, October 9. Judging starts at 8:30 PM, there are prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and the winners are announced at the hayride. No need to sign up. Ghostly elegance, a full cemetery yard, or kid-friendly pumpkins: show off your Halloween spirit!

New this year: a hot chocolate station to warm up with between activities. Bring cash for the raffles and the 50/50.

Thank you, helpers: Mark Scott is bringing his wagon (now on new tires), and the Wright family is providing the tractor. If you can lend a hand with the grill, the fire pit, or the piñata, or sponsor a raffle basket, reach out through the Facebook group or contact@elcoa.org.

Community news

Fish order is in

Frank DeVuono has placed the order for this fall's fish planting. As of the August 2 meeting, the fish fund stood at $1,900, not counting donations. Fish go in once the water cools to about 55°F. The last stocking, in fall 2024, added nearly 1,000 crappie and walleye. Fish Fund donations are always welcome on your membership form.

Lake water still testing excellent

The lake was tested again this summer, and the results were the same as 2025: excellent, and far below the level that would be a concern for swimming. Thank you to Charlie Smith for handling the water testing.

Beach and boat launch projects

Kendra Koman is leading improvements at the beach. The neighbors on both sides have okayed tree trimming and a privacy fence, and RJ has volunteered to trim the trees. The play structure has reached the end of its life, so ELCOA is looking for a new swing set: if you spot a good deal on Facebook Marketplace or an end-of-season sale, let Kendra know. Plans also include a snow fence, a new display board, and an enclosure for the porta john.

The beach and boat launch could also use new picnic tables, and a second message board to replace one lost to a fallen tree. This could be a great winter build project if a few volunteers step up. Interested? Reach out through the Facebook group or contact@elcoa.org.

Boat Parade chair needed

The Fourth of July Boat Parade needs a chairperson for next summer. If you'd like to lead one of the lake's favorite traditions, let the board know at contact@elcoa.org.

Sub Crawl recap

What a turnout! On September 5, neighbors fired up their golf carts and side-by-sides for the progressive Sub Crawl: six host houses, games and a signature drink or cocktail at every stop, and live music from Blake James Music at the Boat Launch to close out the night. Thank you to every host house and everyone who came out to make it a great one.

Highlights from the September 5 board meeting

Treasurer's report: starting balance of $7,476.01 as of August 2, with an available balance of $5,323.63 after expenses.
Membership: 73 members and counting. Dues are still coming in, and Deb Smith is giving new residents a welcome letter and a copy of the latest newsletter.
Fish planting: Frank DeVuono has placed the order for this fall's planting. The minutes record it as "an order for 1900 fish."
Porta johns: the board approved having porta johns from May through October.
Boat launch light: it costs about $312 a year, mostly administrative fees. The board is weighing a motion-activated light or an outlet with a lock box, and Tonya Patterson is looking into options.
Equipment: the cornhole trophies have been engraved and upgraded, and the board is interested in buying a newer tent that's quicker to set up.
Looking ahead: Cassie Kelly will chair the 2027 Memorial Day Parade, and the Boat Parade still needs a chair.

These are highlights only. Read the full, official September 5 minutes, word for word as recorded by the secretary.

Highlights from the August 2 board meeting

Treasurer's report: starting balance of $6,531.97, available balance of $5,446.01 after expenses and income. The fish fund allotment was corrected to $1,000 (not $500); the fish fund itself stood at $1,900, not counting donations.
Membership: 9 new memberships brought the total to 59. The board discussed reviving the Welcome Package for new residents and possibly bringing back street captains to help distribute it.
Boat Parade winners: Neighbor's (1st), Miller's (2nd), Beck's (3rd), Logan's (4th), with cash prizes of $25, $20, $15, and $10.
Hayride budget: the board approved a one-time $200 transfer from the unused Memorial Day Parade budget to help cover this year's Hayride/Chili Cook-Off.
New board members: the board welcomed six new members: Erie High, Cassie Kelly, Angela Kraetke, Deb Smith, Lucky Mottausch, and Mary Ann Wood.

These are highlights only. Read the full, official August 2 minutes, word for word as recorded by the secretary.

Thank you to our local supporters

Kelly's Tree Service is donating two face cords of firewood, and Express Rental is donating equipment rentals. Both gave last year too and have come through every time we've asked. Thank you!

Join the Chatter

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

ELCOA has a new website: elcoa.org. Read this issue online, browse every past newsletter back to 2019, and check upcoming events.