Joe Williamson thought of the idea for an Independence Day boat parade on Lake Oconee a few years ago.
Well, the event has become a huge draw for residents on July 4th, who live on the Morgan County side of Lake Oconee. The fun and exciting spectacle is now entering its fourth year of existence.
“We had a huge turnout last year,” Williams told the Lake Oconee News. “It was a great time for all.”
There were about 15 boats that participated in the parade route last year. However, easily more than 200 people watched the parade sail by from the courtesy of their own docks and backyards on July 4 Williamson hopes more vessels will participate in the fun under the sun this year. He said the boat parade has gained a lot of attention from the community and it’s been well-received by many.
“I’ve gotten a lot of emails and calls about the boat parade. It’s definitely grown in the past few years,” Williamson explained. “Last year, we had more boats than the previous two, so we are hoping that this year will top that number. It’s exciting to see the community come together like this.”
In the past three years, the Lake Oconee Boat Parade has featured some creative designs, including several boats with blown-up unicorns, eagles and even an Uncle Sam displayed on them.
Williamson had the bright idea two years ago to award the most-decorated boat a first-place prize. So, he got in contact with a local marina and got them to provide a gift for the winning boat.
Crowe Marine, located at 1010 Greensboro Road, Eatonton, is giving away a portable Yeti tote cooler to the winner this year. Last year, Mark Massey of Madison and his family’s boat won the prize.
Massey’s pontoon boat was decorated with tons of red, white, and blue streamers. The boat also displayed an American flag, which was tied to the back of the craft and it sailed back and forth in the wind.
“We’ve had some pretty great displays of patriotism. From big inflatable Bald Eagles to one of Uncle Sam. We’ve even had a guy on a jet ski dress up as Captain America,” Williamson said last year. “People get creative. It’s amazing to see what people can come up with on the 4th of July.”
The parade’s route centers around the northern end of Lake Oconee around Buckhead in Morgan County. It reaches a few coves around the Apalachee Woods subdivision and the northern part of the lake.
Unfortunately, it won’t go to the southern part of Lake Oconee in Greene and Putnam counties. The reason is that a lot of the boats have large displays, which won’t fit up under the bridges on the way.
Still, the now fourth-annual event is a great way to spend the 4th. It brings neighbors together around Morgan County, but also doesn’t discourage people from the other side of the lake from coming up and participating. The whole idea and premise of the boat parade is to have fun with others.
Williamson said he expects around 20 or more boats this year, but he hopes more people will be watching from their docks as well as the parade sails by.
He’s also anticipating more cheers this year, too. As captain of the parade, it makes him smile when he sees others enjoying themselves on the 4th.
“It’s just a great activity, it gives people something to do. You don’t have to leave home. Just decorate your boat and head on up the lake,” Williamson said last year. “People in this area love to celebrate the 4th of July. They know what it’s all about. It’s about liberty and the freedom of this country.”
The fourth-annual Lake Oconee Boat Parade is set to start at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. For more information about his year’s route and the parade, contact Joe Williamson at joe@smgwin.com.