Local News
Soroptimist Christmas Ornament Recalls Lake Park Outdoor Theater
Fond du Lac’s Lake Park Outdoor Theater, a social hub of nightlife from 1950 to the mid-1980s when it was torn down, is the image on this year’s collectible Soroptimist ornament. The ornament is for sale at various banks and other businesses throughout the holiday season. Each year a different historic Fond du Lac landmark is spotlighted on the ornament. As the 25th in the series, this year’s ornament is an elegant silver glass ball.
Lake Park Outdoor Theater was built by Sam Costas in 1950 near the corner of Scott and Main Streets and had space for 550 cars, plus an additional 90 outdoor seats for walk-ins. The famous jingle, “Let’s All Go To The Lobby” drew customers to the outdoor theater’s popular concession stand where movie-goers socialized and bought hotdogs, popcorn and soda pop.
“The outdoor theater was a great gathering place for families and teenagers during the four decades it existed,” said Donna Christensen, who heads the Soroptimist Chapter ornament committee. “We thought it was a very fitting image for our silver anniversary ornament. We hope it brings back many fond memories during this Christmas season.”
WHERE TO PURCHASE THE ORNAMENT:
The 25th anniversary ornament featuring the Lake Park Outdoor Theater sells for $8 and is available at Wegner’s Office Supply, the Fond du Lac City-County Government Building, EP Direct, Fox Valley Savings, Marine Credit Union, St. Agnes Credit Union, Hometown Bank, Associated Bank and Bank Mutual. It is also available by contacting anyone who is a Soroptimist member. Proceeds from the Soroptimist sales go to programs that help women and girls.
Past ornaments are also for sale for $8 each. Those still available from other years include 1996 – St. Agnes Hospital, 1997 – Court House, 2000 – Goodrich High School, 2003 – Elks Club, 2005 – Taylor Park Pavilion, 2006 – Beer Hut, 2007 – Retlaw Theater,
2008 – Hamilton Building (Youth Center), 2009 – Gilles, 2010 – YMCA, 2011 – Postilion, 2012 – Dorcas Chapel/Marian University and 2013 – Union Soldiers Monument at Veterans Park.
For more information, call Donna Christensen (920) 924-7887.