City of Gainesville issued the following announcement.
To celebrate the City of Gainesville’s role in the 1996 Summer Olympics, for which the 25th anniversary is fast approaching, community leaders are organizing an Olympic Celebration slated for Saturday night, Aug. 7.
“We have been the only venue from the 1996 games that has kept the Olympic spirit alive by continuing to foster the sports represented by the venue of rowing and canoe/kayak, hosting world-class competitions and providing a venue for the community to enjoy,” said Gainesville Tourism Director Robyn Lynch, who added the event will also celebrate the efforts of legacy clubs Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club and Lake Lanier Rowing Club, Lake Lanier Olympic Park Foundation, City of Gainesville and the community as a whole.
The festivities will take place from 6-10 p.m. at Lake Lanier Olympic Park, the well-known site of the 1996 Olympic rowing and sprint canoe/kayak events on Lake Sidney Lanier. The Olympic Celebration is being organized by the Lake Lanier Olympic Park Foundation, in addition to the Olympic Celebration Organizing Committee, made up of City of Gainesville representatives and community volunteers.
The event will prove to be a true celebration of Gainesville, plus continents/regions represented by the official Olympic rings: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Gates open at 6 p.m.
“From 6-8 p.m., you will enter regions of the world and walk through and experience the culture of each region through food, drink and entertainment,” Lynch said. “Attendees can watch drummers from Asia, explore fencing from Spain, Brazilian fighting, a horn performance from Australia and an African dance. In addition, you will learn about important Olympic historical moments that happened in each region.”
“Aramark and Brenau University are providing chefs from different regions that are preparing a varied menu of tastings from around the world, specifically regions represented by the rings of the Olympic logo,” she continued.
We Got The Beat Band will take the stage from 8-10 p.m., preceding a 10 p.m. fireworks grand finale.
Proceeds from the Olympic Celebration will benefit the Lake Lanier Olympic Park Foundation.
The cost to attend is $100 per person or $750 per table of six, positioned on the grandstands. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.
The event will follow the Porch to Torch 5K and Fun Run, slated from 8-10 a.m. that morning at City Park. Find additional event details here.
To purchase Olympic Celebration tickets, register for the 5K or review sponsorship opportunities, visit lakelanierolympicvenue.com.
Lake Lanier Olympic Park is located at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville – just look for the tower!
Original source can be found here.
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