CRANBERRY LAKE, N.Y. -- In 1909, local boaters decided to create a "social club." One hundred years later, the Cranberry Boat Club has become the heart of the town.

Allen Splete, Cranberry Boat Club Vice Commodore, said, "This is a very rare occasion, because this we do believe is the oldest continuous boat club in the one hundred year history of the western Adirondack park."

For Ernie Giraud, joining the club wasn't in his original plans. He found his antique boat in the boat house of his new lake front home.

Giraud said, “The boat came with the camp when my wife and I bought it, 44 years ago."

And after an eight-year restoration, this collectable was ready to lead the annual boat parade. Giraud plans to be at the front of the line again this weekend, motoring along the entire 150 mile shore line. But Giraud warns that the fun isn't over with this weekend. The community events will continue throughout the season.

Giraud says, "There is an awful lot going on. Enough to keep you more than busy this summer."

And it's boat club members like Giraud who have helped maintain the lake's appeal, a landscape that has become a historical part of the community. Many people hope this weekend will honor the lake's traditions and keep its story alive.

Splete said, "One of the things we tried to do as part of the celebration was to preserve for future generations our information that we thought would be valuable, so individuals can go back and say this is what Cranberry Lake was in the beginning."

In honor of the 100th year celebration, Splete has authored two books that encompass the lake's rich existence.

There are a number of activities planned for this weekend and other events throughout the summer. For more information on when and where they will take place, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Cranberry-Lake-Boat-Club/56407346134?v=feed&story_fbid=107359355268.