09/04/2026
For 50 years, there's been a good chance that if you needed gas, pop, ice, snacks, or something for the weekend, you found yourself pulling into the corner at 5621 Main Street.
This year, Lexington Marathon – The Party Store is celebrating 50 years in Lexington!
Since opening in 1976, the then full-service gas station and auto repair facility—later evolving into the convenience store many know today—has been locally owned and operated by the Laughlin family. During those five decades, we've watched Lexington grow, welcomed countless summer visitors, and had the privilege of serving generations of local families.
Over the years, the station has worn many different signs. Some remember it as Standard, others as Amoco, Unocal, Citgo, 76, Valero, and today, Marathon. But for many people, it has simply been "The Party Store."
And if you've lived around Lexington long enough, there's a pretty good chance you still call it "Cal's."
Over the years, the business has celebrated many milestones. One of the most notable came when it became just the second gas station in the State of Michigan to obtain an MLCC packaged liquor license, helping establish what would eventually become one of the area's best-known party stores.
What hasn't changed over the years is the people. We've always believed that a business is only as good as the folks behind the counter, and we've been incredibly fortunate to have some of the best. Today, members of our team have been serving customers for 13, 15, and even 25 years. They know your names, your favorite brands, your coffee order, and probably which kid belongs to which family.
Being part of Lexington has always meant more than simply doing business here. Throughout the years, we've been proud supporters of local music events, community organizations, the police and fire departments, and the Lexington school system and its sports teams. We've donated to countless benefits, Scotch Doubles tournaments, horseshoe tournaments, fundraisers, and charitable causes—always with the belief that supporting our community is simply the right thing to do. It sets us apart from other 'chain' stores - who only care about their bottom line, not about the people who matter.
The people of Lexington have been incredibly good to us over the last 50 years, and we've always tried to give back whenever and wherever we could. Being a valuable member of this community has never been a marketing slogan for us—it's been a responsibility and a privilege.
Over the last 50 years, we've seen first dates turn into marriages, kids grow up and bring in kids of their own, and summer visitors become lifelong friends. We've celebrated victories, weathered challenges, and shared countless conversations across the counter.
A lot has changed since 1976, but one thing has remained the same: the support of this amazing community.
From all of us at Lexington Marathon – The Party Store, thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your daily lives for the past 50 years. Whether you know us as Marathon, The Party Store, or Cal's, we're grateful for every customer who has walked through our doors. Here's to the memories we've shared—and to many more years ahead.
P.S. After the Labor Day holiday, we'll be sharing details about a small anniversary celebration. Watch for information on giveaways, gift cards, commemorative items, and opportunities to save 50¢ per gallon on fuel at select times. ⛽ More to come on that soon...
Thank you, Lexington, for 50 wonderful years.
~ Chuck Laughlin
