Throughout 2013, the City of Lakeway is celebrating 50 years since it was founded in October 1963. Lakeway's Golden Anniversary Committee, led by Lakeway Councilwoman Dee Ann Burns-Farrell, is planning an entire roster of events between now and December to pay tribute to the resort community.

"The story of Lakeway is phenomenal because it started out as this little nothing," Burns-Farrell said. "There wasn't even a store. And through the years, you can see all of the progression."

Some of the anniversary events planned include a kickoff pancake breakfast in late January, a special Lakeway-themed annual Fourth of July parade, a family-focused celebration in October and the Golden Anniversary Ball set for November. In addition to activities, the committee selected Lew Carlson's book, "Lakeway: A Hill Country Community," as the official book for Lakeway's golden anniversary. The coffee table book is filled with images, information and history about the city.

"The pictures are so interesting," said Burns-Farrell, who has lived in Lakeway with her family for the past 12 years. "It shows what we used to look like compared to now. You can see the evolution as the years have gone by."

The book is $29.95 plus tax and can be purchased at the Lakeway Activity Center, Point of Origin gift store, and the Lakeway Resort & Spa. The committee is also printing 500 commemorative 2013 Lakeway-themed calendars that will sell for $5.70 each.

In addition, the first child born to a couple living in Lakeway currently lives in Austin and will be invited to make an appearance during the July Fourth festivities. The Lakeway Resort & Spa and the City of Lakeway are cooperating with the committee on pulling events together for the year-long golden anniversary celebration.

"Lakeway is like the biggest-kept secret in the world," she said. "We are a very close-knit community. This is really something neat to celebrate."