The Cedar Creek Country Club has launched a new membership drive that will continue through the summer, leading up to a large Labor Day festival to welcome new members and to help introduce them to the 45-year-old club's current membership. The end-of-the summer two-day celebration will include a large party with live entertainment, dinner and dancing and a fun day of activities in the tradition of the club's spirit of going all out for its members, said Lisa Rhodes, membership director and events coordinator. "The country club is a home away from home for our members who are greeted and treated by our staff as one of their own," said Rhodes, who noted the details of the big celebration are still under development and will be announced soon. "We are an inclusive club, and we are always adapting our accommodations, events and cuisine to the needs of the members." The club, which was founded in 1967 as the first country club on the lake's shores 45 minutes southeast of downtown Dallas, features an 18-hole golf course on 117 manicured green acres shaded by beautiful trees. The amenities include a large club house that was constructed of Austin Stone in 2004, a pro shop, a family-friendly swimming pool, two lighted tennis courts, an elegant restaurant and a lounge that can be used for banquets and other celebrations, private meeting rooms and a busy schedule of social and entertainment activities. The activities include golf clinics, bridge games, live entertainment nights, cookouts, and members often socialize in small gatherings of their own in the clubhouse. Members can entertain their guests on the golf course and at all of the club's other facilities, as well as inviting them to the various events, Rhodes said. Members also can book the clubhouse facilities for receptions such as anniversaries or weddings, and members can sponsor friends or families in arranging such events at the club, she said. "This is East Texas' most hidden gem," said Rhodes, who is pictured below. "It's going to appeal to golfers who enjoy playing on a pristine course and to people who desire a family-friendly atmosphere. Retirees who like a laid-back lifestyle and want to go at their own pace will also appreciate the club." The club is surrounded by an upscale residential development of the same name, which has several existing homes and new-construction lots available for sale. The club originally was in charge of the residential development, but all of the property is now offered for sale by other parties through real estate agencies. Rhodes noted that the club is managed by John Kyle, a Pro Golf Association life member who has 23 years' experience, and that the restaurant's executive chef, Chris Smith, was named East Texas' Chef of the Year in 2011. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food is also available during that time period at the swimming pool, which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the lounge, which is open at the same hours. The lounge remains open later whenever members want to socialize on weekends, holidays or for other occasions. Specialties of the restaurant include steak, seafood and Southern specialties. There are frequent buffets and a Sunday brunch will soon be offered to the members. Rhodes said that the club has had a stable membership throughout its history, but new memberships occasionally become available as the children of families grow up and the members realize they are no longer using the facilities as often as they once did. Rhodes said the club is offering a special initiation fee of $100 until Labor Day to attract new members. The memberships being offered include senior and junior associate memberships for families that are not residents of the development. The monthly dues range from $159.50 to $170.50, she said. "This is a wonderful area for people who want a place to get away for the weekend," Rhodes said. "Our club with its ease of access off Highway 175 is an added attraction to Cedar Creek Lake." For information call Rhodes at 903-498-6761 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Visit the club's website at http://cedarcreekcountryclub.com.