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What better way to start the summer than with a big splash? The Elizabethtown- White Lake Chamber of Commerce is encouraging visitors to do just that at the 44 Annual White Lake Water Festival on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21.

Several new elements have been added to this year’s festival, which has been themed “Make a Splash,” including a Putt-Putt Golf Tournament on Friday afternoon and a Float Contest during the popular White Lake Water Festival Parade on Saturday, May 21.

“We want to start out with a big splash,” Terri Dennison, the Chamber’s Executive Director, said. “We are asking everyone to surround the lake, especially the area from Camp Clearwater to Goldston’s Beach at 6 pm Friday night. When they hear a loud horn, they should jump or splash loudly into the water.” Dennison added that a drone will be capturing the image of what is hopefully one big Splash.

A newly formed band, Autumn Tyde, will make its appearance in White Lake on Friday evening, followed by two favorites. Rivermist will play on Saturday afternoon from 4-6 PM, and the Pink Slips from 8-11 pm on Saturday night.

Classic cars, trucks, and other unique vehicles are invited to participate in three ways: on Friday night at 6 pm with a Cruise-In to Goldston’s Beach, by registering for the Parade, and by participating in the Car Show on Saturday. Vehicles that want to be in the parade should end in a parade entry form.

Another new aspect of the Festival is 2 designated parking areas to alleviate congestion in the festival area on Saturday. A Park & Ride lot will be located at the old airport site on US 701. The Grand Regal Trolley and at least one other bus will transport people to Goldston’s Beach. A Park and Walk lot will be located on the site of the former MelFest, closer to Camp Clearwater and near Rt. 53 intersection with White Lake Road. People are encouraged to use these areas from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM. The parking lot at Goldston’s Beach and across the street will open at 4:30 pm for people coming for the evening entertainment.

There will be a variety of food vendors, including the Sandwich Shop at Goldston’s Beach, as well as several food trucks at Goldston’s Beach and Lake Church. The White Lake Fire Department will have a Chicken BBQ starting at 11 AM. A plate costs $10 and includes a chicken quarter, sides, and a roll.

Also, look for a variety of favorite arts, crafts, and merchandise vendors at Goldston’s Beach and along White Lake Drive.

Vendor applications are due April 30, and parade entry forms are due May 7. Both forms can be found on the festival website or in the Chamber’s lobby.

The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the Town of White Lake, and Festival Committee are hoping everyone enjoys a fun-filled festival. More information on the Festival can be found at www.whitelakewaterfestival.com.

Event schedule

Friday, May 20 events:

8 am: Elizabethtown Rotary International Golf Tournament

Vineyards Golf Course

To register or for more information, call 910-876-1030

4 pm – 6 pm: Putt-Putt Golf Tournament

Goldston’s Beach

$10 entry fee – money prizes

Tickets can be purchased in advance; call 910-305-1404

6 pm: MAKE A SPASH – coordinated jump in the lake.

Line up along the water from Goldston’s Beach to Camp Clearwater. A drone will fly overhead. When you see it – jump in the Lake and make a splash!

6 pm: Classic Car Cruise-In

Goldston’s Beach

Cameron McGill – 910-862-1726

7 pm – 10 pm: Band: Autumn Tide

Goldston’s Beach & Grand Regal Music Stage

Saturday, May 21 events:

8 am – 3 pm: White Lake Water Festival Car Show

Lake Church

$20 registration

For more information, call 910-872-1726

9 am – 11 am: White Lake Road will be closed for the parade

10 am: White Lake Water Festival Parade sponsored by Ski Burger, Sandy Bottom Taco, & Rondavue Pizzeria

Parade starts at Camp Clearwater and heads towards US 701.

Performance areas are in front of the Grandstand at Town Hall and Goldston’s Beach.

11 am – ?: Firemen’s Chicken BBQ

White Lake Fire Department

$10 for plate with chicken quarter and sides

11 am – 4 pm: Activities at Goldston’s Beach

- - Art & Craft Vendors
  - Professional wrestling: committed
  - Face painting & Clowns: Port City
  - Music & Entertainment

4-6 pm: Band: Rivermist

Goldston’s Beach & Grand Regal Music Stage

8 pm – 11 pm: Band: The Pink Slips

Goldston’s Beach & Grand Regal Music Stage

The White Lake Water Festival is presented by the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information on Bladen County, go to www.elizabethtownwhitelake.com.