07/17/2025
A Once-in-a-Century Celebration
Join us at the DCL 100 Birthday Bash Event!
There’s something unmistakably special about summertime in Garrett County— the kind of feeling you get when the sun reflects off the lake just right, there’s the scent of cut grass, and the sounds of people enjoying themselves on boats and along the water’s edge. This July, that magic will be amplified as our community gathers to celebrate the high point of the season: the DCL 100 Birthday Bash. Taking place Saturday, July 19, 2025, from noon to 10:00 PM at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, this all-day event is the community celebration that’s part of a yearlong centennial celebration—one hundred years of Deep Creek Lake.
It’s more than just a birthday party. It’s a tribute to a century of stories, memories, and the enduring spirit of a community built around Maryland’s largest freshwater lake. And in a nod to the year 1925 when it all began, admission is only twenty-five cents per person.
From the moment the gates open at noon, the fairgrounds will come alive with the rhythm of live music. Local and regional favorites The Remedy and Queen City Funk and Soul will warm up the stage before headliner Buck Wild brings the night home with a high-energy performance that’s sure to have the crowd on its feet.
Throughout the day, acoustic sets in the Biergarten will keep the mood mellow and festive, offering a relaxed spot to enjoy a cold beverage and good company.
For families, the celebration includes a free Kids’ Zone packed with activities and entertainment for younger guests, ensuring that everyone from toddlers to teens has something to enjoy.
The fairgrounds will also be lined with local vendors, selling everything from handmade crafts and regional goods to art, apparel, and keepsakes. Meanwhile, nonprofit organizations and community groups will have booths set up to share their missions and connect with neighbors, new and old.
Food, of course, will be a central attraction. You can expect a delicious spread courtesy of local organizations and food vendors, serving everything from nostalgic fair treats to modern twists on Appalachian favorites. It’s the kind of event where a hot dog, a funnel cake, and a local brew make for the perfect lunch— and nobody judges you for going back for seconds.
Education and community engagement also play a central role in the celebration. Guests can explore interactive demonstrations, historical exhibits, and opportunities to learn about public safety and health services from state and local agencies. You’ll walk away with a greater appreciation not only for Deep Creek’s past but for the people who keep it thriving today.
As the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, all eyes will turn to the sky for the event’s grand finale: a breathtaking drone light show by Firefly, the first of its kind in Deep Creek Lake history. Dozens of drones will take flight in synchronized harmony, lighting up the night with a dazzling display that blends art, technology, and wonder. It’s a fitting end to a day rooted in history yet designed for the future.
The DCL 100 Birthday Bash is more than a party—it’s a defining moment in the life of Deep Creek Lake, and one that invites everyone to be part of the story.
To appreciate why this event is so meaningful, you have to look back a hundred years. In the early 1920s, the Youghiogheny Hydro-Electric Corporation proposed building a reservoir in Western Maryland to generate electricity for growing nearby communities. In 1923, work began on the Deep Creek Dam, and by May 1925, water from Deep Creek began to flood the valley behind the dam. What was once farmland and wilderness was transformed into a shimmering manmade lake, covering over 3,900 acres with 65 miles of shoreline. Over the decades, Deep Creek evolved from a remote utility project into a beloved recreational destination. With the opening of Deep Creek Lake State Park in 1959, the area gained a new layer of accessibility, drawing in nature lovers, campers, and future homeowners.
In the 1950s and ‘60s, local entrepreneurs recognized the lake’s potential as a year-round destination, leading to the development of ski resorts, rental cabins, and restaurants. Perhaps most significantly, in the year 2000, the State of Maryland officially acquired ownership of the lake, securing it as a publicly accessible natural resource for generations to come.
All of these moments—big and small—have brought us to now. In 2025, Deep Creek Lake doesn’t just represent a body of water. It stands as a symbol of community pride, economic growth, environmental stewardship, and the simple joy of lakeside living. The DCL 100 Centennial Celebration has honored that legacy throughout the year with community events, historical showcases, volunteer days, and educational programming. The upcoming birthday bash is a day for everyone who loves the lake to come together in gratitude, celebration, and shared anticipation for the next hundred years.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a weekend wanderer, there’s no better place to be on Saturday, July 19 than the Garrett County Fairgrounds.
For the full event schedule and more information, visit DCL100.com.
This is our lake, our legacy, and our moment. Happy 100th Birthday, Deep Creek Lake!
