Foodapalooza was a big festive, gut stuffing hit!
Foodapalooza ’24 was enjoyed by hundreds. What a beautiful day, the weather was amazing. Over 30 grills were fired up, and some very creative drinks, desserts and finger food. Top honors went to Tree lancers and their Pork Swords. But everyone did such a great job! We enjoyed, bacon-wrapped Oreo’s, French Macaroons, A charcuterie board in a cup, Pineapple kabobs, Jello shots in syringes. So much creativity. And thank you everyone for sharing. Yes we had some great prizes, but Foodapalooza is all about Lake friends having a great time together. A big shout out to all our Lake supporters: Sportsman Inn, Oakdale Bar & Grill, Tall Timbers, Susan’s Freeman Bay, The Madam Carroll and The Summer Beach House. THANK YOU! A $100 donation will also be made to Food Finders to help those in need. Enjoy the photos.
Foodapalooza 2024
No one left hungry! So much fun.
Here’s an interesting concept, Mussels hibernate.
Well they don’t actually hibernate. They go into a state of dormancy. Like most water creatures, mussels are not active in the winter. They burrow deeper into the sandy bottom of lake and stream beds. They also do not eat. So that means they don’t need a large amount of water. (500cfs) This is fact and based on science. Winter would be a good time for USFWS, FERC, NIPSCO and SFLECC to come to the table and agree to back off the water effluence from the Oakdale Dam. It would give Lake Freeman time to heal and not harm any endangered mussels. A win win. Everyone is looking for a better solution and this one makes sense and is biologically driven.
Stay Clear During Sailing Regattas
When boating on the South portion of Lake Freeman on a Sunday afternoon and you see orange boy’s in the middle of the lake, be aware that the Lake Freeman Yacht Club is probably holding a regatta. It’s fun to watch the sail boats, but be respectful and keep your distance.
Watching Jaws floating at your dock is crazy fun
On a whim, I decided to have a party. Not just any party, a party with some teeth. I invited thirty or so friends over, had them bring their floats and beverages, got a projector and some speakers and watched the classic “Jaws”. I thought it would be fun, but it was really fun. Hey, the Lakeshore Drive-In is still pretty cool, but if you’re looking for something different on a hot summer night… it was a blast!
The Madam and The Oakdale
Big things have been happening at both the Madam Carroll and the Oakdale Bar & Grill. In case you haven’t ventured by either Lake Freeman business, we encourage you to. The Oakdale now has an incredible beer garden and patio. The Madam Carroll has a very robust schedule and top talent for its cruises. AND it just received a modification to it’s liquor license to remain open while docked!
Thank you Chris Peters and Nick Blum for all your hard work.
The Superman of Lake Freeman
Carmel Harrison is one of the neatest guys I’ve met in the area around Lake Freeman. He’s 80, that’s right 80, and still cuts wood like a lumberjack! Carmel has the best firewood you can find around Twin Lakes. He seasons it, sorts it, and loads it. He’s got fast and hot burning Pine, slow burning Oak and wood smoking Hickory. He’s located down road 1100 & 421, at The Landings. Swing by and pick up a load. He’ll be glad to see you.
The Eagle has landed
By Susie Karberg
During the twenty-five years that we have lived full time on the lake, until this year, we have seen Bald Eagles in the sky only a few times.
Last week, Lindy, my husband, and I were beginning to think about the errands we had to do in the afternoon, moving unhurriedly in late morning when suddenly, Lindy said quietly, “Suzy, your eagle has finally landed.” For years, I have wished and wished to be one of the lucky ones able to catch more than a fleeting glimpse as eagles fly by with a tease of their magnitude. Lindy took a deep breath, headed off to grab his good camera. A full minute later, with fingers crossed, he began to photograph. Transfixed, I watched. We wanted so badly to get a few good pictures. Magnificent in bearing, it’s all about the stance, the broad shoulders, the head held high. Proud, assured, yet comfy on the branch 30 feet from our large picture window and 50 feet above the lake.
Lindy was not only able capture a moment before our guest moved on, for the next TWO HOURS , he continued to shoot photo after photo as our new friend sat, for the most part, quietly on his narrow branch. Still, the Bald Eagle is elusive. The pictures don’t quite tell his story. He is larger than life in person. And, by the way, what was he doing on the branch? So serene. Resting? Watching for fish in the freshly thawed lake? Or, as I would like to believe, maybe practicing his morning ritual as only Bald Eagles can.
Meet Sadie, the laid back pooch living the lake life
We all know really cool dogs, but this one is exceptional. You’ll find Sadie at the sandbar, spotting wake boarders or cruising the neighborhood in a golf cart. She belongs to Steve and Amy Pollack who have made her comfortable around the water since she was really young. I love seeing dogs with sea legs.
Some dogs take to the water easy, while others need some time. If you bring your dog out, especially to the sandbar, keep an eye on them. Not all dogs are as cool as Sadie. She’ll be watching from her chair!
Enjoy a fire and a laugh with friends
Whats better than staring at a fire? Another special Lake Freeman experience. The song is an old Hank Williams tune. Happy summer people, enjoy and be safe!
The Best Boating Grill For Lake Freeman
If you’re looking for a grill to bring on the boat, look no further than the Weber Q.
This grill has been battle tested on the Lake Freeman Sand Bar. And passed with flying colors. If your boat has an extended swim platform, the Weber Q fits perfectly. Just put an old towel underneath it to catch any grease. You can also buy a nifty, lightweight stand that can go right in the water.
The Weber Q heats up hot and evenly with disposable camping propane tanks.
There are two models the 1000 and 2000, basically small and large. This year they are also available in a number of colors. It’s not the cheapest grill, about $199, but after the first time you use it you’ll think it’s worth every penny.
So come on, become a sandbar chef. Ok, end of commercial!
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Sea Level Elevation: 610'
