Columbia County is bringing the beach to the Evans Towne Center Park on June 12.
Water slides for children and adults, food trucks and a Jimmy Buffett tribute band are scheduled for the Summer Beach Blast, according to Janet Wheatley, programs and events manager with Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events.
“Gates will open at 5 p.m. We’ll have Polynesian dancers at 6:30 p.m., and the A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band at 7:30,” she said.
And when Wheatley said they are bringing the beach to the event, she meant it. Truck-loads of sand are being brought in to cover the concrete space near the stage so people can have the beach feel without the travel.
MORE: Live Music Events Plentiful
The A1A Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute show is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
It was born in 1991 “when lead vocalist and guitarist Jeff Pike asked Atlanta Parrot Head Club and PHIP founder Scott Nickerson to join him in his already successful one-man tribute to Jimmy Buffett. In 1992, the band won a Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest for Margaritaville Records,” according to the group’s website.
In 1995, Pike won a guitar contest allowing him to perform “Cheeseburger in Paradise” with Jimmy Buffett in Atlanta. The group has the distinction of being endorsed and sanctioned by Buffett, the website said.
Wheatley said they are offering a general admission ticket as well as a VIP one. VIP tickets will include special seating. For those with the general admission tickets, she encourages people to bring beach chairs or blankets to enjoy the event.
It’s been a couple of years since a beach blast was held in Columbia County, but they were well-attended, as have been the outdoor events held on weekends this spring.
“They’ve been well received. People are ready to get back out and have a good time,” she said.
Other events have included the Fourth Friday food trucks and bands at the park. Ed Turner and Number 9 held a concert in the park Memorial Day weekend.
MORE: Second Saturday Art Walk Starts June 12
Tickets for Summer Beach Blast are $20 general admission for ages 6 and older. VIP tickets are $50, regardless of age. Tickets are available through the events page at columbiacountyga.gov
Free parking is available across the street from the venue in the new parking deck.
Another Columbia County event is the free “Screen on the Green” movie night at Grovetown’s Gateway Park at 7 p.m. June 11. The featured film is the live action “Beauty and the Beast.”
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
[adrotate banner=”37″]
