History of the Lakeside Pavilion
Serving as a symbol of the community for 110 years, the Pavilion is easily the most recognized landmark in Lakeside. Although the building has endured many phases overtime, the Pavilion has remained an integral part of the Lakeside experience .
1909 Pavilion The original Pavilion served as the first large-scale entrance to Lakeside. Two well-known builders, G. “Bert” Pettibone and Fred Dankelsfen, were awarded the contract to construct the building for $4,724. Complete with a cafeteria, telegraph office and boat rental office, it quickly became the premier gathering place for Lakesiders. Read more about the 1909 Pavilion...
1962 Pavilion After tearing down the original Pavilion in the fall of 1961, a push was made to build a future-focused structure that opened visibility to the waterline. However, despite the conscientious efforts of the builders, the second Pavilion, dedicated on August 8, 1962, was met with mixed reviews. Read more about the 1962 Pavilion...
1988 Pavilion When building the present-day Pavilion, architects Bauer, Stark and Lashbrook of Toledo combined gingerbread trim with a new open-air concept to be carried out by the Focht Construction Company of Port Clinton. Construction began in 1988, and the dedication and opening of the Pavilion occurred that summer. Read more about the 1988 Pavilion...

Special thanks to the Lakeside Heritage Society Archives for providing the history and pictures.
What program at the Pavilion has transformed your life?
The Pavilion is a visual focal point and highlight of the Lakeside Chautauqua experience. As one of the most photographed structures in the community and the hub for waterfront activities, it’s a building that Lakesiders easily recognize. Programs that take place here encompass all four Chautauqua pillars , bringing an array of activities.
The Religion Pillar embraces the lakefront scenery as a meditative backdrop for reverence and reflection. The Pavilion offers Sunday morning Dockside Worship and evening Sunset Praise Services, Tuesday and Thursday evening Vespers, and weekly Men’s Bible Study meetings. It's also home to the beloved carillon bells.
The Education Pillar gathers students of all generations at the Pavilion to expand their minds through a variety of gardening lectures and programs and intergenerational science experiences, such as Lake Erie Science and others.

The Cultural Arts Pillar stages special events, including live entertainment, Saturday afternoon concerts, dancing, plein air painting, festivals and holiday entertainment. At Pavilion Circle, guests enjoy the Collector Car Show, Blues & BBQ Festival, Wooden Boat Show & Plein Air Art Festival and Military Appreciation Day, as well as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day festivities.
The Recreation Pillar fills its schedule with sailing lessons and races, as well as unguided adventures with stand-up paddleboard, kayak and sailboat rentals. The Pavilion decks provide the perfect place for shaded observation of people enjoying the beach, swimming, splash park and participating in the Youth Triathlon, Jingle Jump, wellness classes, and dance and music classes through the Rhein Center. Read more...
Help restore the Pavilion
Tomorrow, Lakesiders will come together as a community to raise money to update the Pavilion with the following:

  • ADA accessible ramp to the West Deck
  • Replace the stairs & repair structural rot
  • Rewire & enhance Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Add a fresh coat of paint
  • Install new LED exterior lighting
  • Add heating & cooling in the Pavilion Upper Room
  • Upgrade or replace Carillon & Pavilion clock motor

Additional upgrades will occur as funding allows.
H ow can I help?
You're invited to give a gift on (or before) Tuesday, Dec. 3 , to enhance the Pavilion! For more ways to give, visit lakesideohio.com/giving/how . Your support will make an impact on the lives of Lakesiders for generations to come. Thank you for making a difference!
Making a donation online
is quick, easy
and secure.
Give an online donation, and designate your gift to the 'Lakeside Fund - Pavilion.'​
Mail a Check
Payable to the 'Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation,' Attn: #GivingTuesday, 236 Walnut Ave, Lakeside, Ohio 43440 with 'Pavilion Project' in the memo line.
Give by Phone
Call the staff at the Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation Office at (419) 798-4461, ext. 246 to
give your #GivingTuesday donation over the phone.
Give a gift in honor or memory of a family member, friend or co-worker. Include an address, and we'll send them a notification of your special gift.
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