Seven years ago on Fourth of July weekend, our entire community gathered together for the grand opening of the Family Barn. At the time, no one knew quite what to expect of the Family Barn – a concept unheard of in community development. We planned the evening extensively, with live music, square dancing in the Camp Hall, a barbecue buffet, and all of our hopes and dreams for a memorable introduction to what we knew would become the heart of Martis Camp.
That evening was the first time our members experienced the Family Barn – walking down the brick path into the warm embrace of the amphitheater, stepping through the front door onto the checkered floor of the soda fountain, discovering the two-lane bowling alley downstairs, climbing the whimsically painted staircase into a world of creativity in the Art Loft and theater, and meandering back outside to the lake to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the view.
It was a fantastic night, most importantly because our Members believed in our vision for Martis Camp and gathered with family and friends to celebrate a milestone in the community we were building together. The excitement was palpable. Both the joy of having a place to call home and the amazement at the Family Barn were evident in the smiling faces all around.
Here we are seven years later and though much has changed around the world, much has stayed the same at Martis Camp. The Family Barn continues to inspire, amaze and create lifetime memories. We’re just as excited now as we were back then to host our biggest weekend of the year, and look forward to the return of our annual Fourth of July events:
- Saturday night, Wonderbread 5 takes the stage for their fifth appearance in our Summer Concert Series. Come early and enjoy our buffet at the Lake Pavilion before hitting the dance floor at our most energetic concert of the year.
- Summer Family Festival takes over the amphitheater on Sunday afternoon – this time with a Hawaiian Luau theme and some new activities including a coconut cream pie eating contest.
- On July 4th, our annual Scavenger Hunt returns for the ninth year! Don’t miss this vintage event for all ages, with golden pinecones waiting to be found by the most ardent scavengers. A lunchtime barbecue follows the morning fun.
Check your summer calendar or contact the Camp Concierge for more information about these events, and others, happening throughout the holiday.
As we celebrate the nation’s birthday, we toast to the seven-year legacy of the Family Barn as well. The heart of The Camp is a place unlike anywhere else, ready for this year’s Fourth of July weekend and all of the memories yet to come.
