Special Events

2023 Winter Events

Santa's Secret Store

Santa's Secret Store is designed for children to purchase gifts for family and friends. Volunteers assist children with their purchases and gift wrapping. Find out how you can volunteer at this event.

Cookies for Santa

New in 2023, we are partnering with Spider Monkey's Bake Shop who will provide a step-by-step holiday cookie decorating experience. Leave the class with a box of four festive treats to share, Santa may even make an appearance at this year's Cookies for Santa!

Letter from Santa and Phone Calls from the North Pole

With your help, a personal letter from Santa Claus can be arranged for your child. You can also have Mrs. Claus, Santa or the Elves to call your house. Find details on all things Santa here.

Illumination Walk

Walk or snowshoe the trails at Ritter in the glow of the luminaries and the light of the moon. Hundreds of flickering candles light the way around the trail. Bring your own snowshoes or stroll on foot. Register here for this magical event. Lots of volunteers will be needed to make this event a success. Volunteer information can be found here.

Ritter Fest and Dogsled Rides

Come out with friends or family to Ritter Farm park for a fun winter event. Lakeville SnoTrackers will be available for snowmobile rides and Lakeville Parks & Recreation will provide snowshoes to try. Pre-registration required for paid dogsled rides. Snowmobile rides and snowshoe demo are free and do not require registration. More information on these events can be found online.

Youth Ice Fishing Contest

Fish through one of the many holes cut through the ice at the annual Youth Ice Fishing Contest. This year's event will take place in our new contest location at Casperson Park. This free family event is one your child will never forget. Participants should bring their own fishing equipment and bait. Prizes will be awarded.

2024 Summer Events

Pan-O-Prog Run - 1-Mile & 4-Mile

Run along the beautiful west side of Lake Marion. Pan-O-Prog Run race lengths include a 1-mile and a 4-mile run, and a half-mile Fun Run for kids.

Pickleball Tournaments

Play in one one, or all three of our tournaments. The spring tourney is held in May, Pan-O-Prog Tournament is in July and the Fall Classic takes place in September. Divisions include women's, men's and/or mixed doubles.

Pan-O-Prog Ping Pong Ball Drop

This event includes live entertainment and a ping pong ball drop.

Youth Shore Fishing Contest

At the annual Youth Shore Fishing Contest, kids are invited to fish away the morning in search of "the big one." Prizes will be awarded.

Puppet Wagon

Kermie the Frog, Chuck the Bunny, Myron and the whole puppet crew are waiting to entertain Lakeville children this summer. Download the map and schedule (PDF).

2023 Fall Events

Lakeville Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament

Play in one, or all three of our tournaments. Pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are invited to Join us on September 16 & 17 at Dodd Trail Park for the Lakeville Fall Classic. Divisions include women's, men's and/or mixed doubles and DUPR.

"Who Done It?" Hike

Play Sherlock Holmes by collecting clues and solving the mystery while walking the trails during the "Who Done It?" Hike. When the end is near and you think you have it solved, you’ll have a chance to guess “who done it.”

Tour of Lakeville

Join us on this 18-mile ride to discover trails, parks and conservation areas in Lakeville. Led by Lakeville Friends of the Environment volunteers.

Haunted Forest Festival

The annual Haunted Forest Festival event occurs in October before Halloween and includes a trick-or-treat maze, hayrides, children's entertainment and the haunted forest trail. Wristbands are required to attend this event in 2023. For more information and to purchase wristbands, follow this link. Over 100 volunteers help with this event - find out how you can volunteer this year.