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Mark Ruehle (center), along with his friends and family, get ready to participate in the third-annual Lake Oconee Boat Parade. -
Matt Massey (left) poses with others aboard his pontoon. Massey’s vessel won the award for the best-decorated boat at this year’s parade. -
A father and son ride aboard a jet-ski during the event. -
Joe Williamson, who is the organizer of the event, steers his pontoon, which led the parade on its route. -
There were around 20 boats that participated in this year’s parade.
The smell of barbeque, sounds of laughter and a sense of freedom powered the third-annual Lake Oconee boat parade during Independence Day.
Nearly 20 boats gathered on the northern side of the lake on Monday to participate in the festivities, However, easily more than 100 people combined watched the vessels sail by from the courtesy of their docks and backyards.
This year’s theme was the same as the past two boat parades: freedom.
“It’s a great event for the people of our community,” said Joe Williamson, who put the event together. “It’s also a great way to meet your neighbors from across the lake.”
The idea started two years ago when Williamson and his wife decided to reside year-round at their lake house in Buckhead. It originally was an idea to get people together, while also staying socially distanced, during the height of the pandemic.
Now, the plan that was thought of two years ago, has turned into a staple on the 4th of July in Morgan County. The number of boats and spectators has increased each year. This past Monday was the most participants the parade has seen.
“It’s just a great activity, it gives people something to do,” Williamson told the Lake Oconee News last week. “You don’t really have to leave home. Just decorate your boat and head on up the lake. It’s a great way to spend the fourth.”
This year’s parade featured some creative designs, including several boats with blown-up unicorns, eagles and even an Uncle Sam displayed on them.
Regardless, one thing every boat had in common was some sort of item that had red, white and blue on it. The patriotism for the U.S. flowed with each craft.
“People (in this area) love to celebrate the 4th of July, and they know what it’s all about,” Williamson said. “It’s about our liberty and the freedom of this country.”
This year’s winner for the best-decorated boat was Matt Massey’s pontoon, which featured a unicorn on top of it, plus plenty of streamers, balloons and decorations. He and his family won a YETI M30 soft cooler bag, courtesy of Crowe Marina.
Contact Joe Williamson at joe@ smgwin.com for information about next year’s boat parade.