For over 40 years, the annual White Lake Water Festival has been bringing excitement and enthusiasm to our area. This year may be the best festival yet.
Terri Dennison, Executive Director of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce, said she is very excited about the upcoming festival.
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Photos of the 2019 White Lake Water Festival
According to the Chamber’s website, this year, the festival organizers will recognize the traditions and memories created at White Lake as well as celebrating the future of the “Nation’s Safest Beach”.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Goldston’s Beach. Over the past several months, improvements have been made at White Lake properties and are continuing, which has created quite a buzz for lake lovers.
Dennison said, “My phone has been ringing non-stop for two weeks, and now I am all out of vendor spaces.”
According to Dennison, there will be 80 vendors on-site and a full lineup for the parade. The Grand Marshals of the parade are some of the original members of the White Lake Ski Heels, a non-profit organization in Bladen County since 1972.
According to WhiteLakeMovie.com, “Starting in the 70s, the infamous water ski club known as the White Lake Ski Heels was formed, producing many tournaments and professional water skiers. In the 80s, wakeboarding became popular, and the lake produced several outstanding riders who made waves around the east coast.”
The Elizabethtown Rotary Club is kicking off the festivities on Friday, May 21, 2021, with their annual Rotary Golf Tournament at Vineyards Golf Course located at 4723 US-701 in Elizabethtown.
Rotarian Michael Leinwand said there are currently 17 teams signed up to play with 28 hole sponsors. According to Leinwand, registration starts at 8 a.m., and t-time begins at 9 a.m. Anyone wishing to compete in the tournament may register with a team of four people for $60 per player.
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Photos of the 2019 Rotary Golf Tournament
The Rotary Club organizes the event each year to help with their annual high school senior scholarship giveaways. Rotarian Cathy Gantz said this year; the club will be awarding four scholarships. Two East Bladen High School seniors will be given a scholarship. One Paul R. Brown Academy senior will be given a scholarship, and one scholarship will be given to a Bladen Community College student. Breakfast from Melton’s will be served, and the scholarships will be awarded before the start of the games.
On Friday evening, there will be a Classic Car Cruise-In and music at Goldston’s Beach with one of Bladen County’s favorite bands, Blackwater. The fun will only begin on Friday.
Saturday holds a full schedule of events for the festival. LAKE Church Pastor Cameron McGill explained the White Lake Christian Camp & Retreat Center will host a Car & Truck Show. Registration for the Car & Truck Show will be held at the center located at 1930 White Lake Drive from 8 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday.
“All makes, and models, new and old, custom and classic are welcome to participate in the show,” Pastor McGill stated. This year all registered entries will receive door prizes and awards.
The White Lake Water Festival Parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a wrestling show, arts, crafts and food vendors, business booth displays, and Joy the Clown for the public to enjoy starting at 11 a.m. at Goldston’s Beach.
Dennison said, “We have some more great news! Goldston’s purchased a trolley for people to ride during the festival.”
Ending the evening on a musical note, Southern Touch and Spare Change bands will offer live music at Goldston’s Beach from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.
According to the Chamber’s website, masks are requested, and the public is asked to please practice safe social distancing.
Closing out the celebrations at the lake, Sunday, the LAKE Church will hold a Dedication Celebration. According to Pastor McGill, the exceptional service will mark several milestones of the LAKE Church and will be an exciting observance of PENTECOST Sunday. The dedication service will be for the new Ministry Center building located at 1930 White Lake Drive. According to Pastor McGill, construction on the building was completed about a month and a half ago. The 9,500 square foot building offers a worship center, classes, offices, and a kitchen.
For more information about the White Lake Water Festival visit, https://elizabethtownwhitelake.com/.
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