GAINESVILLE, Ga. (July 12, 2021) – Gainesville may be hundreds of miles from the ocean, but the City is gearing up to ride the wave that is Beach Bash 2021.
Beach Bash is slated for 5-10 p.m. Friday, July 16, on the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. There, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy some sand, surf and sun in their own North Georgia community.
“We couldn't be more excited to have Beach Bash returning for 2021,” said Lake Lanier Olympic Park Special Events Manager Eric Larsen. “We've had a great start to our event season with Food Truck Fridays and Beach Bash takes things to another level.”
Offerings will include the opportunity to play in 100 tons of sand, with sand toys and the chance to discover “hidden treasures”, plus an inflatable waterslide, limbo and hula contests, axe throwing (Rugged Axe) and more.
“We're bringing in 100 tons of sand and turning the plaza into Gainesville's hottest beach,” Larsen said. “With hula-hoop and limbo contests, a waterslide for the kids and fun activities from our community partners, such as free kayak and paddleboard demos from Outside World Outfitters, there's plenty for everyone.”
In addition to Outside World providing kayaks and paddleboards, INK (Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Inc.), a children’s museum, will also have a presence at the event.
Entertainment professionals jB JAMS will keep the gathering lively and upbeat playing beachside tunes from 5-7 p.m. Music continues from 7-10 p.m. by Mixtape, an ‘80s tribute band that’s “headlined festivals, packed music venues and rocked corporate events since 2015”, according to their website.
“Mixtape from Atlanta is bringing their high-energy sounds to their open-air stage, giving a great experience to everyone on the plaza and those anchored on the lake,” Larsen said.
Refuel with tasty offerings from the following food and beverage trucks: Downtown Drafts, Tap It Growlers (featuring selections from Tantrum Brewing Co.), Q'Paso Latin Grub, Talmo Market Grill, Let’s Taco Bout It, Carta's Azucar Cuban Cuisine, At The Tracks Restaurant, All Around The World, Fairly Local Cupcakes, Frozen Frenzee, Juke N Jive Creamery and Paw Paws Peanuts, among others.
The event is open to “anyone and everyone”, Larsen said, and much like Food Truck Fridays, you may also reserve a table on the grandstands for $50, which includes seating for six. Two courtesy docks will also be available for those attending by boat or watercraft.
For more information, including timely updates, “Like” and follow @LakeLanierOlympicVenue or @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment on Facebook or visit gainesville.org.
Lake Lanier Olympic Park is located at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville – just look for the tower!
Adding to the fun – an Olympics-worthy sendoff
Those who attend Beach Bash 2021 will also have the opportunity to see off two 2020 Olympians.
Sprint canoeist Nevin Harrison and sprint kayaker Alex Lee, who both train with Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club on Lake Lanier, will soon leave for Tokyo, Japan, to participate in the 2020 Olympic Games. Harrison and Lee are one of three Team USA athletes who train in Gainesville, which also includes Paralympian swimmer McClain Hermes.
“As a special treat, Harrison and Lee will take to the water before the Beach Bash concert for a final timed trial before they head off to Tokyo,” Larsen said.
Boaters are asked to line the area in front of the Lake Lanier Olympic Park Tower. Wear your Team USA gear or red, white and blue, and bring along a sign cheering on both athletes so they know they have Gainesville’s support.
“I challenge anybody to find a more unique and exciting event anywhere,” Larsen said.
Boats should arrive and anchor prior to 5 p.m. before trials start.