Every year, we all look forward to the BIG WEEKEND at the end of July; our very own Bass Lake Festival! This year's festival is quickly coming together with a lot of people getting involved. Sponsors continue to take on many of our traditional events, and we look forward to even more. If you have an idea for an event, would like to sponsor an event, or just volunteer a few hours, please let us know!
The festival was officially formed in the 70's, but many of the events were formed long before then. This is one of many Bass Lake tales where many of the details are known by some of our long time residents and visitors. Dig for more details on this on some of those late summer night sitting around the fire!
The Bass Lake Festival is a long tradition that solely relies on money generated from fundraisers, corporate sponsors and community support!! Your financial support allows us to offer a festival full of events for all ages. Therefore, we need your help and support to keep this tradition going! If you are interested in donating, go to our CONTACT US page for our address. Check our facebook page to find out when our meets will be.
The festival was officially formed in the 70's, but many of the events were formed long before then. This is one of many Bass Lake tales where many of the details are known by some of our long time residents and visitors. Dig for more details on this on some of those late summer night sitting around the fire!
The Bass Lake Festival is a long tradition that solely relies on money generated from fundraisers, corporate sponsors and community support!! Your financial support allows us to offer a festival full of events for all ages. Therefore, we need your help and support to keep this tradition going! If you are interested in donating, go to our CONTACT US page for our address. Check our facebook page to find out when our meets will be.
2023 Grand Marshall
Fredrick Heise
Fredrick Heise, born on January 22, 1948, is the fourth of six children born to Edward and Marguerite Heise, and he grew up on a family farm near Ora. The farm is still owned by the Heise family today. Entrepreneurship runs in Fred's family, as his parents operated the Crystal Ball Room and Roller Rink at Bass Lake during the 1950s. In 1961, they purchased the Melody Drive-in Theatre, which Fred later acquired from them in 1970.
After completing high school, Fred joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country, including a deployment to Vietnam. Upon returning from service, he married his high school sweetheart, Louise Combs, in March of 1970. Together, Fred and Louise purchased the Melody Drive-in Theatre from his parents and successfully operated it together until Louise’s untimely passing in 2019. They had two children together, Tricia and Fred Jr., and seven grandchildren. Currently, Fred and his son
continue to run the theater as a family business. Fred has always been an active member of the community. In March 1973, he joined the Bass Lake Lions Club and has held most if not every office within the club, including district positions. In 1995, Fred was approached by local Lutheran churches to hold services on the theatre grounds, leading to the formation of the Bass Lake Ministries. Since then, church services have been held every Sunday at the Drive-in throughout the summer. Additionally, Fred has been an active member of Victory Christian Church for over 30 years.
Fred’s contributions to the movie industry led to his induction into the National Association of Theatre Owners Midwest Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition of his dedication and service to the motion picture exhibition industry. Throughout the years, the success of the Melody Drive-in Theatre has been attributed to all the family and friends that have worked there, and of course the loyal patrons that have visited from near and afar to be a part of the Drive-In experience.
After completing high school, Fred joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country, including a deployment to Vietnam. Upon returning from service, he married his high school sweetheart, Louise Combs, in March of 1970. Together, Fred and Louise purchased the Melody Drive-in Theatre from his parents and successfully operated it together until Louise’s untimely passing in 2019. They had two children together, Tricia and Fred Jr., and seven grandchildren. Currently, Fred and his son
continue to run the theater as a family business. Fred has always been an active member of the community. In March 1973, he joined the Bass Lake Lions Club and has held most if not every office within the club, including district positions. In 1995, Fred was approached by local Lutheran churches to hold services on the theatre grounds, leading to the formation of the Bass Lake Ministries. Since then, church services have been held every Sunday at the Drive-in throughout the summer. Additionally, Fred has been an active member of Victory Christian Church for over 30 years.
Fred’s contributions to the movie industry led to his induction into the National Association of Theatre Owners Midwest Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition of his dedication and service to the motion picture exhibition industry. Throughout the years, the success of the Melody Drive-in Theatre has been attributed to all the family and friends that have worked there, and of course the loyal patrons that have visited from near and afar to be a part of the Drive-In experience.
