The Waterway Soiree’s “Livin’ La Vida Laka” welcome party had guests dancing to great music in Madison Friday night at Sixty-Two, with food and drinks from Mad Hospitality Group.
The “Meat and Greet” at Lake Oconee Brewery in Greensboro on Saturday, began with Greensboro Mayor Corey Williams officially starting the inaugural Lake Oconee Waterway Soiree.
Five-time BBQ World Champion Myron Mixon headlined this event. He demonstrated the cooking skills that have taken him to the top of the BBQ world. Myron Mixon Rubs and Sauces from AAG Luxury Outdoors were available for purchase, while Tim Cardiere provided live music.
The ladies of the Georgia Pin Up Posse, with pin-up poster girl Maggie Milner, made for great fun in and outside the brewery. Meanwhile, the Burch Truck, featuring Myron Mixon-inspired BBQ, was on hand to feed hungry attendees.
As the official community grocer sponsor for the Waterway Soiree, Publix Supermarkets staff were on hand at all venue locations over the weekend: Lake Oconee Brewery, Parks Ferry Park, Sunlife Marina, and Old Salem Park. Publix also hosted a children’s cookie decoration activity and had a Publix activation tent set up under the direction of store manager Paul Higgins.
Each Waterway Soiree Lake Hop destination could be accessed by car or boat, and each venue had a unique theme. There was the previously mentioned “Meat and Greet” Hop at Lake Oconee Brewery, the “Dessert Hop” at Sunlife Marina, the “Jamaican Me Crazy” at Old Salem Park, and the “Fiesta Hop” at Parks Ferry Park.
Each venue presented its own delights, including a Mariachi band, the Dough Daddy food truck, belly dancing, a family dog exhibition, plus an agility demonstration by professional dog trainer Adam Hart, and the Lake Oconee Humane Society was on hand for pet adoptions.
Other event sponsors included Window Solutions, Realtor of the Waterway Soiree, Jennifer Vaughn, local lamb purveyor Choate Family Farms, the Sno Ice Truck, and 4H Rock Eagle desserts.
Oconee Classic Boats also offered free wooden boat tours on “Timeless,” where Mark Cameron from Jamaica and his chefs cooked delicious Jamaican food and featured his artwork. Juturna Water had a complimentary sparkling and still water, and The Island Vibe played some great music on the steel drum and guitar.
Additionally, there was face painting, offshore demonstrations by local police and fire departments, a boat display by Singleton Marina, Polynesian dancers and a fire dancer from Samoa, a family dance party, the Princess and the Royal Blue Band, local purveyor Medicea Gelato, a cold plunge, street tacos and other Mexican favorites, and Oconee Spirit Reiki and yoga.
The Waterway Soiree presented a weekend for everyone to join in. On Sunday, the wrap-up party at Oconee Brewery’s “Rock the Dock” event featured a Superbowl DJ sponsored by Nice Entertainment, more activities, food trucks, and an exclusive “Rock the Dock” beer.
A Myron Mixon Championship Pellet Grill valued at $4,999 was the auction item, and the winner was announced at 3 p.m. Sunday, along with other specialty prizes.
Event organizer Cindy Spritzer did an outstanding job at getting the inaugural Waterway Soiree off to a wonderful start, leaving everyone who attended already looking forward to the 2025 event.