The grande dame of the region's classic entertainment venues, the Lakeside Ballroom in Barnesville, failed to sell during an auction Thursday evening.

The reserve amount - a number not disclosed - was not met.In fact, only about a dozen people attended the auction and none were serious bidders. Most came to stroll the revered wood floors and reminisce."My parents met at the lake," said George Wenzel, Quakake, former owner of Wenzel's Bakery, Tamaqua. Wenzel and Daria Hetman, Allentown, took a quick spin on the dance floor in front of the stage where music notables like Benny Goodman and the Jordan Brothers thrilled thousands. "I was hoping to be able to pick up some memorabilia."Lakeside Park opened in 1880 with two dams and picnic grounds, and even boasted a wood roller coaster in 1923. The historic property had been listed with a Realtor for about a year before owner Barb Malafarina of Barnesville decided to try an auction. The auction was handled by Dennis and Tracy Wagner Company of Berks County.The auction began at 6 p.m. and Tracy Wagner called an end within a few minutes. She thanked everyone for coming. Later, she said that Wagner Auctioneers Company (www.wagnerauctioneeers.com) had gotten many phone inquiries about the property and that she felt a buyer would soon be found.The nearly 25,000-square-foot building, on about 8 acres, includes a walk-in cooler, commercial kitchen, three liquor bars (the liquor license is being sold separately), a stage and plenty of parking outside. The commercial property has been used for weddings, meetings, parties and musical entertainment for many years.After it opened in 1880, the park underwent steady improvements. In 1891 bathing houses and cottages were built on the grounds. A merry-go-round was added in 1903, and in 1920, then-owner Harry Hart arranged the delivery of several railroad cars of sea sand for a beach. In 1924 Hart also purchased an open auditorium - now the Lakeside Ballroom - which was dismantled and moved to the park. In 1927 he added a newer merry-go-round and two amusement park rides.Despite the 1916 opening of the 88-acre Lakewood Park, about a mile away, Lakeside continued to thrive. A train brought people to West Mahanoy Junction, where they could disembark and go to either Lakewood or Lakeside. Lakewood opened its Crystal Ballroom in 1925. Each venue had a huge dance floor, with Lakeside's 144 feet by 80 feet and Lakewood's 168 by 104 feet.Lakewood closed in 1984. Although its lake was drained many years ago, Lakeside has continued to operate, hosting musical entertainers, dances and civic functions such as the annual American Cancer Society's Chinese Auction.After the auction, George Wenzel left the building, then returned to talk to Malafarina."Don't be discouraged," he said. "So many people have such great memories of good times at this place - the right person will come along and make it happen again."