All Lake Junaluska Associates are invited to join us for a fun weekend of appreciation, recreation, music, table fellowship, worship, and connecting with friends!
Calling all charitable supporters who Love the Lake! We look forward to seeing you this year during Labor Day weekend for family-friendly and intergenerational events that support the mission and ministry of Lake Junaluska.
Based on feedback from fellow Associates, we’ve streamlined this year’s registration process and made some updates to events. We are hosting a reception instead of a dinner, which does not require a payment. Event registration is still required by submitting the online form or by printing and mailing the form provided. Please review the schedule of events carefully for updates and go ahead – get excited for a fun-filled time with fellow supporters of Lake Junaluska!
- See the Schedule of Events
- Plan Your Visit.
- Learn more and become part of the Lake Junaluska Associates.
- Make a nomination for the Junaluska Leadership Award.
Event Details:
- Date:
- September 5, 2026–September 6, 2026
- Location:
- Lake Junaluska
- Categories:
- Charitable Support
Schedule of Events
The following is a tentative schedule of events. Additional details will be added as they become available.
All Weekend
Golf Outing
Lake Junaluska Golf Course
Time: Various Tee Times are available
Gather with friends or family and enjoy the beauty of Lake Junaluska’s pristine golf course! Contact Fred Edwards, Lake Junaluska’s Director of Golf Operations, to plan your next round of golf. To reserve a tee time, call the Pro Shop at 828-456-5777.
Saturday, September 5
Friends of the Lake 5K
Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym
Race Day Registration/Sign-In: 6:30-7:30 a.m.
Start Time: 8 a.m.
The Friends of the Lake 5K Road Race & Walk is a charitable event to support the recreation opportunities of Lake Junaluska through the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to show your love for the Lake during Associates Celebration Weekend. Wear your Love the Lake t-shirt and come join the fun!
Note: a separate registration is required to participate
Family Fellowship Time
Afternoon
After a full morning of walking, running or cheering on the 5K participants, spend the afternoon taking time for what matters most. Invite a friend and head out on the water– perhaps taking a cruise on the Cherokee IV or renting a kayak, paddleboard or canoe from Lake Junaluska Outfitters. Make a stop at the Lake Junaluska pool with your kids or grandkids and follow it up with a competitive game of mini-golf. Need a few moments of quiet? Visit your favorite spot at Lake Junaluska to reconnect with God by walking the Prayer Labyrinth, enjoying the shade of Stuart Spring or savoring the view from Inspiration Point.
Historic Tour
Stuart Auditorium and Memorial Chapel
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Join Executive Director, Ken Howle, for a behind-the-scenes tour of historic Stuart Auditorium and Memorial Chapel. See firsthand the updates that have been made possible through charitable giving. Learn more about future restoration plans for these sacred spaces.
Fellowship Social
Musgrave Event Lawn
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Prior to the evening program, gather for a time of reunion and connection with fellow Lake Junaluska Associates at the Musgrave Event Lawn, located adjacent to the Warren Center. Enjoy refreshing lemonade while you catch up with old friends and make new ones, too. Take time to explore the exciting capital improvements made over the past couple of years, funded through charitable giving. Follow the new pathway up to the Chrissy Hill scenic overlook with unparalleled views of Lake Junaluska.
Celebration Reception & Program
Warren Center
Time: 7 p.m.
Join us for hors d’oeuvres and desserts as we celebrate our mission and experience the impact of our ministries. The program will include the presentation of the Junaluska Leadership Award and updates about how Lake Junaluska Associates have helped provide transformational experiences here on these sacred grounds. Buddy Melton and Milan Miller will be performing as part of the Celebration.
Sunday, September 6
Worship
Memorial Chapel
Time: 9 a.m.
Preacher: Rev. Ashley Crowder Stanley
Lift your voice in prayer and song as we gather at Memorial Chapel for a time of worship and remembrance with fellow Lake Junaluska Associates.
If you need to reserve an overnight room, contact our reservations department at 1-800-222-4930. Be sure to say you are attending Associates Weekend. A block of rooms is available until August 1, 2026.
The Associates’ support ensures that Lake Junaluska’s mission and ministry continue to thrive.
Associates Celebration Weekend is open to all Lake Junaluska Associates.
Every individual or household who makes an annual charitable contribution of $250 or more to Lake Junaluska is a Lake Junaluska Associate.
We are grateful for this broad base of support from over 650 households!
How to Register
Register and pay online through the form below or download and mail in your registration form. Registration deadline is August 25, 2026.
