Augustan’s braved the possibility of rain to flood the Augusta Common and enjoy the annual Mayor’s Masters Reception, which has become the unofficial kick-off to Tournament Week.
The weather was perfect, with the clouds parting and a nice gentle breeze chasing the mosquitoes away from the hundreds of revelers ready to put hurricanes and snowstorms in the past and enjoy the springtime weather in Augusta. Even people who are not huge fans of the game of golf have fun each year celebrating the tournament that put the Garden City on the map as a sports destination.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson, along with Columbia County Commission Chairman Doug Duncan, North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams and Aiken Mayor Pro Tem Ed Girardeau milled through the crowds and later took to the stage thanking the organizers and volunteers for working hard to make the event memorable.
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“On behalf of our partners in Aiken, Columbia County and North Augusta, we welcome you all to Augusta and we are looking forward to another fun and successful Masters Week,” Johnson said.
The sounds of a live band playing a faithful rendition Ray Charles’ “Georgia” wafted throughout the Common as adults mingled and chatted and the kids took advantage of the Bouncy House. The crowd also brought their lawn chairs so they could settle in for an afternoon of music featuring Johnathan Wilson & DJ Brandi Renae and headliner, Tara and the Snacks.
Food trucks offering everything from slow-cooked bar-b-que, creole dishes and the legendary T’s hush puppies lined both sides of the Common and filled the area with the aroma of fresh food served to order.
The event, which was created in 1999 by then-Mayor Bob Young, honored CBS Television Sports broadcast legend Jim Nantz.
The event was capped off with a fireworks display over the river and all proceeds went to support Via Cognitive Health.
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