Grand Lake's Water's Edge Converted into Events Center By Tonya Bina Sky-Hi Daily News Grand County, Colorado

The Western Riviera Lakeside Event Center (formerly the Water's Edge) caters to events of up to 120 guests. The wedding reception, reunion and function space is now owned by Mike (not pictured) and Jackie (second from left) Tompkins of Grand Lake, owners of the Western Riviera Motel and Cabins. DiAnn Butler (left) of Destination's West property management is the center's event coordinator, and Alyda and Jon Parker (couple right of Tompkins) of JR's Grill Catering, Granby, are the center's on-site caterers.

TONYA BINA/SKY-HI DAILY NEWS

Contact Information

The Western Riviera Event Center, 627-3580 or www.westernrivlakesideevents.com

Located in the heart of Grand Lake steps from the lake’s shore is a renovated space that was waiting to be used to its full potential.

New owners Mike and Jackie Tompkins of Western Riviera Lakeside Event Center (formerly the Water’s Edge) are filling a niche in Grand Lake by assembling a team of catering professionals and opening doors to a myriad of special occasions.

The Tompkins, long-time owners of the Western Riviera Motel and Cabins in Grand Lake, purchased the Lake Avenue venue last April. Jackie says they are excited about what it has to offer. 

In the past, when brides inquired about wedding receptions and lodging combined, we were unable to accommodate them, she said.  Now we have this beautiful lakeside event venue immediately adjacent to our lodging. 

With unmatched views of Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain on the opposite shore, the Event Center is a rare on-the-water space fully updated and available for weddings and receptions, renewal of vows, anniversary celebrations, milestone events as well as intimate gatherings, retreats and meetings. 

The center boasts 2,000 square feet of interior space enough to seat 122 guests.  An added 1,000 square feet of outdoor deck space enhances the site.  The whole package is ideal for casual and formal events.  Rental pricing of the space varies from winter to summer, weeknights to weekends. 

Event Coordinator DiAnn Butler calls it an empty canvas and elegant simple space with white walls and hardwood floors that can be dressed up or dressed down. 

Directly across from the Grand Lake Headwaters Marina, events could be combined with boating outings on the lake, she said, and the venue is situated within walking distance from most of Grand Lake’s hotel accommodations. 

The Tompkins and Butler have partnered with J.R.’s Grill Catering of Granby, which offers on-site catering.  Alyda and Jon Parker have always considered the lakeside space their favorite venue to work at, according to Alyda. 

The couple offers casual to upscale dining, with a variety of custom menu items such as Grilled Salmon with Sherry Vinegar and Honey Glaze, Raspberry Jazz Spinach Salad and roasted asparagus with prosciutto. 

They work with brides to stay within their budgets, Jackie said. 

Other preferred Grand Lake vendors are available to make event planning convenient, such as floral arrangements from the Rustic Urn just one block from the venue. 

We are very excited about our new venture and all it has to offer our guests, local citizens, groups and our team, Jackie said. 

Tonya Bina can be reached at 970-887-3334 ext. 19603 or e-mail tbina@skyhidailynews.com.