Celebrating Community at Wobble Island: A Tradition of Giving Back

At Wobble Island Inc., every event is about more than just having fun on Lake Gaston—it's about making a lasting difference in our community. Through live music, boating events, fundraisers, and volunteer efforts, we've built a tradition of bringing people together while supporting local families, organizations, and causes that matter.

Since its beginning, Wobble Island has grown from a single charity event into a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Lake Gaston region through community involvement, charitable giving, and unforgettable experiences.

Where It All Began

The story of Wobble Island starts with Lake-A-Palooza, founded in 2014 by Pete Richardson. What began as a way to raise money for children with medical needs quickly grew into one of Lake Gaston's favorite annual charity events.

Pete's vision was simple: bring people together for a day on the lake while giving back to the community. That same mission continues to guide Wobble Island today.

In 2016, Pete opened Lake Gaston Pizza & More, which has proudly served as the major sponsor of Lake-A-Palooza ever since. That same year, he launched the Community Christmas Toy Drive, helping provide Christmas gifts to children across three surrounding counties.

As a founding board member of Wobble Island Inc. since 2017, Pete has continued to champion charitable initiatives that benefit veterans, first responders, local churches, Child Protective Services, volunteers, scholarships, and families throughout the region. Most recently, in 2026, he organized a golf cart raffle that raised funds for two local college scholarships.

His commitment to giving back reflects the heart of Wobble Island's mission.

Building Community Through Every Event

Every Wobble Island event is designed to strengthen our community while creating lasting memories on Lake Gaston.

Our events help us:

• Support local charities and nonprofit organizations

• Raise funds for scholarships and community initiatives

• Recognize volunteers and first responders

• Bring together families, neighbors, and visitors

• Celebrate everything that makes Lake Gaston special

Whether you're attending for the first time or returning each year, you're helping make a positive impact.

Lake-A-Palooza

Lake-A-Palooza remains Wobble Island's signature fundraising event. Each Labor Day weekend, the community gathers on Wobble Island for an afternoon filled with live music, raffles, great food, merchandise, and unforgettable memories on the water.

Every ticket purchased and every raffle entered helps support Wobble Island's charitable mission while continuing the tradition that began in 2014.

Poker Run

Our annual Poker Run brings the boating community together for a day of fun and friendly competition around Lake Gaston. Participants travel to waterfront destinations collecting poker cards before returning to Wobble Island for the final draw, prizes, and celebration.

It's become another favorite tradition that combines recreation with giving back.

Sponsor & Volunteer Appreciation

Wobble Island wouldn't exist without our incredible volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.

Each year, we host a Sponsor & Volunteer Appreciation Party to recognize the individuals and businesses whose generosity makes every event possible. Their continued support allows us to expand our impact and serve even more people throughout the Lake Gaston community.

Making a Difference Together

The success of Wobble Island isn't measured only by attendance—it's measured by lives impacted.

Over the years, our fundraising efforts have supported:

• Children with medical needs

• Local college scholarships

• Veterans organizations

• Volunteer fire departments

• Child Protective Services

• Local churches

• Community Christmas programs

• First responders

• Families in need throughout the Lake Gaston region

Every event, sponsor, volunteer, and attendee plays a role in helping us continue this mission.

Join the Tradition

Whether you're joining us for Lake-A-Palooza, the Poker Run, or another community event, you're becoming part of something bigger than a day on the lake.

You're helping build stronger communities, support worthy causes, and create traditions that will continue for generations.

Together, we're making waves—and making a difference.