Community Spotlight: Lakeport
Main Street Storefronts in Downtown Lakeport. Courtesy: Lakeport Main Street Association.
Historic Charm and a Vibrant Local Economy with Lakefront Views
By: Brooke Fox, Marketing & Communications Consultant
The City of Lakeport, population 5,000, is full of small town charm and rich in history dating back over 100 years. Located two hours northwest of Sacramento in picturesque Lake County, Historic Downtown Lakeport sits on the western shore of the county namesake of Clear Lake, one of the oldest lakes in North America. Locals and visitors enjoy free public boat ramps, bass fishing, water sports, and a lively mix of restaurants, shops, B&Bs, and vacation home rentals. As the county seat, Lakeport is also the regional center of commerce and government with a bustling daytime population of over 30,000.
Lakeport Main Street Association (LMSA) is a 501(c)3 formed over 10 years ago and is our newest CAMS Affiliate member. Executive Director Marie Schrader has been in the role for about a year. Since arriving at Lakeport Main Street, Marie and her board of directors took time to focus on improving operations so the organization could be more effective for its members. Marie has a background in theater and sits on the Lake County Art Council. Her eye for drama and production has elevated LMSA’s signature special events and promotions. Their big holiday event is the 6th annual Dickens Festival where Marie will bring in actors in period costumes to interact with festival goers.
Since joining California Main Street in March of 2022, LMSA has provided over $100,000 in grant opportunities for their businesses with at least one business receiving a grant of $15,000. Joining CAMS has also given them an opportunity to collaborate with other similar community organizations to share ideas and provide training for their Board of Directors and staff to begin to implement the Main Street Approach in Lakeport.
Lakeport Main Street has big plans for 2023 including partnering with Lake County Theatre Company for “Lore of the Lake” (a walking history tour), hanging flower baskets, and bringing back more of Lakeport’s signature special events.
Follow their efforts on Instagram @lakeportmainstreet | Facebook @LakeportMainSt or visit their website at www.lakeportmainstreet.com.
View of Clear Lake from a Downtown Dock in Lakeport. Courtesy: Lakeport Main Street Association.