The Lake Oconee Independence Day boat parade has been a staple in Morgan County for more than a decade.
The boat parade was an idea conceived by resident Joe Williamson six years ago, and it has since grown into an annual event on the northeastern side of the lake.
This year, however, resident Lanier Massey will be in charge of the event because Williamson is on vacation.
Massey’s boat has won the past three years, and she’s happy the event is continuing.
“This is not like a forever thing for me to coordinate it, but I told [Joe] I definitely didn’t want there a year that goes by without it, then the tradition won’t continue,” Massey told the Lake Oconee News. “I said I would absolutely take over to help keep it going.”
Dozens of boats come out for the boat parade each year, with hundreds of people watching them float by from their docks.
The participating boats are decked out from top to bottom with Fourth of July-themed gear. People get creative, and it’s what makes the boat parade a hit each year.
The most decorated boat is voted on by random judges, and it wins a prize each year. For the past few years, Crowe Marine has gifted the winner a special gift.
Massey’s family boat has taken home the prize for the last three years.
“It’s become a tradition for us,” Massey said. “We’ve had people come in town specifically for this, and they plan what costume they’re going to have on the boat like the year before, after getting inspiration from other boats. So, each year it just gets more and more exciting, and it’s like grandparents all the way to babies on our boat every year. I think our entire neighborhood feels the same way.”
Massey wants the event to grow and invites people from the south end of the lake to participate.
“We want it to grow bigger and bigger every year,” Massey said.
Several local companies are sponsoring the boat parade this year, including Sugar Creek Marina, Print & Sign Solution, and Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International.
This year, the boat parade will launch near the Oconee Shores neighborhood north of the Swords boat ramp at 2 p.m. on July 4.
Massey advised scanning the QR code (inset above) for the exact location.