Thursday, April 1, 2004

Indian Ranch site is sold

New England Country Music Jamboree is May 16

Harold A. Gushue Jr.
T&G STAFF
hgushue@telegram.com

WEBSTER- The sale of Indian Ranch campground, owned by the Sadowsky family for almost 50 years, was finalized Monday.

Thomas C. Robert, who heads Indian Ranch Recreation Inc., leases the Route 16 property from its new owner, Webster Ventures LLC, he said in a telephone interview yesterday. His father, Christopher Robert, is president of Webster Ventures. The sales price was not disclosed.

Thomas Robert said the first function under the new ownership is a wedding party today. He said the camping season will officially open May 1 and that will be when tickets for all the shows go on sale. The New England Country Music Jamboree May 16 will be the first public show this season. As in the past, country and western music will be the staple for most shows.

A headline in one edition of the Telegram & Gazette yesterday incorrectly stated that Indian Ranch was losing its charter. The story explained that Kampgrounds of America plans to terminate its franchise agreement with the operators of the local KOA campground, also in Webster. There is no relationship between KOA and Indian Ranch campgrounds.

Mr. Robert, who spent 20 years at Webster Lake in the summer during his youth, came back about 1990 and lived here for about three years. He returned to this community about a year ago.

He grew up in Westboro and his family has owned property on the lake since 1982.

Mr. Robert said his favorite country group is the Charlie Daniels Band, which is to return to Indian Ranch on July 18.

Mr. Robert, who has played keyboard since he was a youngster, said he once played in local bands in area clubs, but he has not done so for about 10 years.

"I like all types of music," he said.

Mr. Robert said he has retained the Sadowsky family to serve as consultants this year, and most of the staff at the business is being retained.

As he has said previously, Mr. Robert said that once the sale of the ranch as a site for possible condominiums did not materialize, he became interested in trying to keep the campground as it had been. He said his father was looking for investment property.

Local developer Carlo Panarelli had placed a deposit on the property in 2003 and had submitted plans to the Planning Board for 160 housing units; however, the plans never developed into construction.

"I'm looking forward to making sure the ranch stays around. Of course, I'm looking forward to meeting the acts that come in here," Mr. Robert said.

In a press release, Jacob Sadowsky said, "Our family worked very hard and for many years to build Indian Ranch into a successful and renowned establishment. We are delighted to know it will continue serving as a popular New England attraction."

"We want to make sure that the word gets out that we're alive and well and open for business," Mr. Robert said.

More information on events is available by calling (508) 943-3871 or online at www.indianranch.com.

Back to Articles and Press Releases