Residents and cabin owners at Brush Lake, three miles north of Mercer, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of "a businessman's dream."

The Brush Lake Centennial begins Saturday and includes two weekends of events, including a boat parade, minnow races, poker runs, a picnic and a dance featuring the Torrance Trio.

One hundred years ago, a group of Mercer businessmen met to discuss the development of a recreation area where folks could gather to share each other's company and enjoy the great outdoors.

The businessmen helped plot the land, build roads and further develop the area, which became known as the Brush Lake Recreation Area.

The lake is now home to nearly 180 summer cabins and permanent homes occupied by family and friends who are "livin' the dream."

The Brush Lake Centennial's "livin' the dream" celebration begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Grove. Military honors will be presented for deceased members of the Brush Lake Cabin Owners Association and their families. The events of the day also include a boat parade, children's games and a poker run for golf carts, four-wheelers and lawn mowers.

Saturday evening's events include a 6:30 p.m. picnic at the Pavilion, followed by a dance featuring the Torrance Trio. Tickets for the picnic are $5 per person and can be purchased at Ms. Vikki's restaurant, located at the Brush Lake Pavilion. Admission to the dance is free.

Other events taking place over two weekends include minnow races, volleyball, softball, horseshoes, redneck golf and a motorcycle poker run.

The events take place at the Brush Lake Pavilion, just west of Highway 33, then three miles north of Mercer.

For more information, call Carla Alber, 701-400-4334.