The 2024 Annual Picnic in July was “the best picnic in years”, according to many residents. Over 130 Pine Lake residents attended (up from 95-105 in recent years). Why the increase? “Because we focused on family fun,” said Fred Koch. 

“As a board, we noticed that in recent years, families with kids were not showing up for the picnic,” said Jeff Price. “So this year we added a big bouncy house, a dunk tank, and games for the kids. It was a blast.” 

The picnic was held in the Kleutgen’s yard, as it has been for the last several years. Many thanks to the the Kleutgen family for not only offering the space, but supplying beverages, meat, and prizes. The Kleutgen’s own Plainfield Bowl in Plainfield, and have been generous contributors to the Lake Association by hosting and supplying the picnic year after year. 

“This is the most important event on the calendar—even more than the annual meeting—because it’s an afternoon when people from all around the lake mingle and get to know each other,” said John Hedstrom. “It really builds a sense of community.”

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and as usual, many residents brought food and chipped in to help make things run smoothly. Special thanks to Ed Hummelt for running the grill and corn cooker. Residents enjoyed good food, good conversation, and a fun trivia game in the shade. 

Many thanks to west lobe resident Jeff Wiesman who donated the big grill, the dunk tank and the bouncy house. Jeff is the owner of Wood Street Rentals in Stevens Point. His donations saved the Association hundreds of dollars, making the event much more affordable. “In doing so, he enabled us to really amp the fun factor,” said Price. 

“We plan to have the dunk tank, bouncy house, and more games and activities for families next year,” said Beth Bush. “So we look forward to an even bigger picnic in 2025.”