Deep Creek Lake’s official centennial celebration was July 19th! Held at the Garrett County fairgrounds, the birthday bash was an amazing, all day festival with a Deep Creek Lake drone show as the grand finale!
Birthday Bash Recap
The Centennial Birthday Bash welcomed visitors with an old-fashioned twist. Admission was just 25-cents honoring the lake’s 1925 beginnings. While the small fee was mainly meant to count attendees, it also raised funds to support the year-long centennial celebration, including heritage projects and interpretive signage. It is estimated that more than 8,000 people attended!
It was a beautiful day and crowds filled the Garrett County Fairgrounds early. Local non-profits and community organizations came prepared, but many found themselves selling out sooner than expected—a sure sign that this event attracted both locals and visitors. From the always-popular Rotary French Fry booth (which went through a whopping 20 cases of potatoes!) to the robotics team scrambling for more ice and lemons, the demand was real and the smiles were everywhere!
Guests explored the KidZone, watched fly fishing demos, enjoyed live music from The Remedy, Queen City Funk and Soul, and headliner Buckwild, and connected with local organizations sharing the region’s rich history and culture. The biergarten, food trucks, and interactive exhibits kept every age group engaged.
Deep Creek Lake Drone Show
In the evening, a fleet of drones lit up the night, forming glowing images in the sky. Maryland’s outline shimmered above us, followed by scenes that captured the spirit of Garrett County: a peaceful fisherman, a waterskier mid-ride, the iconic black bear, and finally, bold letters spelling out “Deep Creek Lake 100 Years.” It was a once-in-a-lifetime finale for a once-in-a-century event.
Events like this don’t happen without passion and teamwork. A huge thank you to the DCL100 Committee, the hardworking volunteers, first responders, sponsors, drone pilots, and performers. Their efforts created more than a celebration along with lasting memories.