Donny and Leara Beth Carmical moved to this area from Lonoke in 1990 after Donny decided to pursue a career in fish farming. He rented equipment and constructed ponds on his grandmother’s 69-acre hayfield. Donny raised goldfish and then koi. He also opened a tropical fish room. After the September 11, 2001 tragedy, it became more difficult to airship fish across the country. He began building water features and then swimming pools in backyards. He also developed Lazy Man Deer Stand Company, which started as a hobby and has grown by leaps and bounds with stands shipped across the country.

After losing his dad to cancer in 2005, Donny also lost his levee mower. The ponds grew up with weeds and were an eyesore. The wheels in his brain started to turn, and Donny plotted his next move. Leara Beth, a 39-year retired educator, always agreed with his ideas. Being the daughter and granddaughter of inventors, she was accustomed to Donny’s next big idea. Now, in addition to being retired, she makes strawberry wine, sells real estate, and runs errands for Donny’s businesses.

To make his dream a reality, Donny started by knocking down levees and building a 36-acre lake. Then, he built the event venue, recycling materials from buildings that were down to create the lake. The car shed of his Papaw was even used for the roof of the bar! This 10,000-square-foot venue, which we named C&C by the Lake, has so much sentimental value to us. It is breathtaking to see the building reflect on the lake at night.

We take pride in all aspects of the event space and strive to help you create the wedding of your dreams. In addition to weddings, C&C by the Lake is available for retreats, corporate parties, banquets, reunions, and other events. Please contact us to start planning your next event!