Lake Life Festival May 16th, 2026 in Mannford, OK at New Mannford Ramp! 🌞
This year, we're kicking off summer in the best way possible — right by the lake! We've planted the festival at the perfect spot on the calendar: the weekend after school lets out, making it the official start to summer fun in Mannford. We expect a bustling crowd of eager lake lovers ready to soak up everything Keystone Lake has to offer!
For over 50 years, this event has been a staple of our community. Originally known as the Striped Bass Festival, it's grown into a celebration of lake life, community spirit, and outdoor fun. Many of the classic activities we enjoyed as kids are still here today — ready for the next generation to make their own memories.
We're thrilled to once again host the Kid's Fishing Derby — a crowd favorite that introduces kids to the joy of fishing while fostering a love for the great outdoors. But this derby isn't just about fun — it's about learning, too! We're excited to welcome Guiding Future Anglers to this year's festival! This Mannford-based nonprofit, founded by Cory Lovekamp, connects underprivileged children with professional fishing guides for free guided fishing trips — and they'll be right here on-site to mentor our young anglers, teaching them everything from casting a line to reeling in their catch.
Even better — Guiding Future Anglers is currently accepting child applications for free guided fishing trips! If you know a child who would benefit from this incredible opportunity, stop by their booth to learn more. They're also actively seeking donations to help grow their mission and reach even more kids in our community.
And don't worry about gear — No gear? No problem! Thanks to our generous local sponsors, fishing poles, tackle, and bait are all provided, so every child has a chance to participate and make memories by the water.
The Fun Continues! 🎣💦
The legendary activities of our childhood are back and better than ever! Watch kids race up the grease pole for a shot at the $100 prize, or dive into the 800-square-foot fish pond for our beloved Fish Scramble — stocked with over 15 pounds of fish and over $1,300 in coins and prizes!
Kids catch a fish with their bare hands and trade it in for a shiny dollar coin — as many times as they can during their age group's time slot. Can't catch a fish? No worries! Coins and treasures are scattered throughout the pond, so every kid walks away a winner.
For just $5 per child, kids get a wristband for unlimited access to non-stop fun — inflatable water slides, classic games like sack races and water balloon tosses, and a 100-foot waterslide that delivers big laughs and even bigger splashes.
Pro tip: Dress the kids to get soaked! 💦
While the kids play, anglers can get in on the action at the Hooked on Bass Fishing Tournament, held at Prairie View Boat Ramp (pending lake levels). With over 80 boats in past years, this tournament draws serious fishermen from all around for a shot at cash prizes and bragging rights.
Festival-goers will enjoy live music all day long while browsing 70+ vendor booths featuring crafts, food, and unique lake-life goods. Grab a bite, sip something cold, and soak in the lakeside atmosphere.
📩 Interested in a booth? Click the "Register Now!" button below to secure your spot!
🌟 Be a Part of the Fun — Become a Sponsor!
This event wouldn't be possible without our amazing local sponsors. Their support helps us carry on this cherished tradition year after year — and becoming a Lake Life Festival Sponsor means valuable exposure while backing something the whole community loves.
📌 Sponsorship Levels:
- 🥉 Bronze — $100: Logo on website event page & banner at event.
- 🥈 Silver — $250: Logo on website event page, marketing materials, and banner at event.
- 🥇 Gold — $500: All Silver benefits + mentions on the Chamber Facebook page.
- 💎 Platinum — $750: All Gold benefits + logo on website homepage, individual banner at event (stage, car show, or kayak races), and extra marketing perks!
🌊 Show your support and reach a community of lake lovers — sponsoring the Lake Life Festival is a chance to boost your brand while making a lasting impact.
📩 Ready to sponsor? Click the "Register Now!" button below!
