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By: Erin Smith
While the morning skies were overcast, the rain moved out and the cool breezes from the lake enticed folks to come out for the 38th annual White Lake Water Festival. During the afternoon, the sun darted in and out behind the clouds.
Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Maynard said of the day, “I am pleased.”
Maynard said that while Mother Nature did provide some rain overnight Friday and made set-up a little stressful, the event was able to go on as scheduled thanks to the faith and prayers of the vendors, volunteers and entertainers.
Maynard said that the event has received a lot of strong sponsorship support from area businesses as well as vendors turning out for the event.
Chamber President Charlotte Smith said, “It was a really great day overall. We hope everyone enjoyed their day at the lake and will come back next year.”
Saturday offered a variety of events for folks young and old alike.
The Bladen County Firefighters Association Honor Guard held their annual pancake breakfast fundraiser at the White Lake Fire Department. Folks were able to enjoy a plate of fresh hot pancakes with their favorite syrup and butter and their choice of either bacon or sausage.
Folks renewed old acquaintances and made new friends throughout the morning.
The Port City Clowns were the parade grand marshals and kept the line of parade goers entertained along the nearly two-mile parade route. The parade offered a bevy of beauty queens, elected officials, local businesses and of course, fire trucks, to the delight of the little ones.
Craft vendors displayed their wares including hats, shirts, purses and handmade jewelry.
One event popular with the crowd was wrestling. The wrestling event proved to be quite entertaining as the wrestlers taunted each other and the ladies with the group offered “assistance” to the fighters. The crowd was appreciative of the performance.
The Rivermist Band from Fayetteville took to the stage under the main tent to kick off the entertainment for the day. They played a variety of rock n’roll tunes to the delight of the crowd including their version of the Eagles’ Life in the Fastlane.
By far, the crowd favorite was when Bladen County’s own Blackwater Rhythm and Blues took to the stage to close out the afternoon. They played a variety of favorites including Lady Soul, Carolina Girls, and Johnny Be Good.
The only event that were postponed due to the rain were the lawn and garden tractor pull and the classic car show which have been rescheduled for July 24.
For more photos from this weekend’s event, visit our Facebook page at
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