White Lake Water Festival ~ May 17, 18, & 19 begins in:

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This year’s Parade Marshals will be the brave Paratroopers and Green Berets of the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Liberty. These men and women are often seen during the summer months executing practice jumps from planes and helicopters into our beautiful White Lake. If you are lucky enough to have been out on the water and witnessed this, you will know what I am trying to say.

As we recline on our piers or paddle around in our kayaks and watch these folks jump, it touches our hearts in a way that is hard to explain. It evokes a sense of patriotism. During all of these practice jumps, we just sit and watch. If one comes close to a pier, we hold our breath until he is brought by us in the pick-up boat with a big salute and smile.

For all of the joy and pride they bring us, we never get to interact with them. And so, in one of the first casual planning gatherings for this year’s Water Festival, we began to formulate the idea that by honoring them as our Parade Marshals, we are conveying to them, in some small way, our appreciation for what they do. The five you see leading the parade will take back pictures and words to the rest of their comrades. 🎖️ Don't miss this incredible opportunity to pay tribute to our nation's finest as they lead the way in our annual Water Festival Parade. It's a momentous occasion you won't want to miss! 🥁🎺

The Carolina Ski Show Team Performs at the
White Lake Water Festival.

🌊 Get ready for an exhilarating blast from the past at the White Lake Water Festival! 🌟 We're thrilled to announce the return of the beloved ski show event this year. 🎉The Carolina Ski Show from Tega Cay, South Carolina joins us on Saturday, May 18th at 2:00 PM for a jaw-dropping performance with you on the edge of your seat. From Goldston's Beach to Camp Clearwater Campground, the shoreline will transform into a stage of aquatic prowess and skill. 🚤 So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and prepare to be amazed as these incredible skiers dazzle and inspire you! 💫 #WhiteLakeWaterFestival2024 #CarolinaSkiShow #ThrillsOnTheWaterfront 🌊

Look at those guys! Raising their hands to volunteer??? No, they were giving you a hint of what was coming!!

Today's spotlight is on the unsung heroes who are meeting every three or four weeks to iron out details to make this festival great. A few had stepped out and one took the photo. We have about 25 people working to bring it all together. And don't think the planning is complete. There are a few more BIG surprises yet to be announced.

And for all of you wondering, the wrestlers will be back at Goldston's Beach.

See you there!!

What do the Scavenger Hunt and vintage water skis have in common??

Today's Spotlight is on the Scavenger Hunt!!

Get ready for waves of fun as you embark on a scavenger hunt throughout the White Lake Water Festival. Dive into the heart of our community as you search for hidden vintage water skis scattered about on White Lake Drive for clues. Everyone who completes the hunt will be entered for a chance to win a prize pack full of White Lake goodies. Do you have what it takes to find them all?

The hunt begins Friday evening. You can find the Scavenger Hunt clue list online or in area businesses beginning at 6PM on Friday, May 17 at beautiful White Lake!

Don't forget to FOLLOW the White Lake Water Festival FB page!

The White Lake Water Festival adds the first Family Sand Castle Building Contest to the lineup. It is sponsored by the Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church. Find us Saturday, May 18 from 12:30 - 1:30 at the water's edge at Camp Clearwater.

As the excitement of the parade dwindles, the warm sun draws you to the water’s edge. Close your eyes and picture it. The air is filled with laughter and the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore, creating the perfect backdrop for the impending sandcastle-building contest.

Colorful beach towels are spread out, forming a patchwork quilt of family spaces. Children dart back and forth, their energy contagious as they eagerly survey the stretch of pristine sand awaiting their imaginative creations. Parents, armed with sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, chat animatedly as they prepare to unleash their inner architects.

A makeshift judging area is set up near the water's edge, where a panel of esteemed judges, adorned in sunglasses and beach attire, eagerly await the marvels about to unfold. The categories for judging are as diverse as the families participating – from the tallest towers to the most elaborate moats, creativity knows no bounds.

The signal is given, and the shoreline transforms into a bustling construction site. Sand flies through the air, forming turrets, bridges, and mysterious underwater caves. Laughter mingles with the rhythmic sounds of digging and sculpting as families work collaboratively to bring their visions to life.

A spirit of friendly competition prevails as neighboring families exchange tips and cheer each other on.

As the deadline approaches, families put the finishing touches on their sandy masterpieces. The judges, armed with clipboards and big smiles, stroll along the shoreline, taking in the intricate details of each creation. Children anxiously fidget, eyes wide with anticipation, as they await the final verdict.

The winners are announced amidst cheers and applause, and handmade trophies – perhaps seashell-adorned or driftwood-crafted – are awarded to the most innovative sandcastle builders. However, in the end, every family is a winner, having spent a day filled with joy, creativity, and the simple pleasures of bonding by the tranquil shores of White Lake.

Last year’s Student Logo Competition winner, Kiara Polovitch, was at White Lake last weekend to autograph the Step and Repeat banner that will be used at the 46th Annual White Lake Water Festival. Then a sophomore at West Bladen, Miss Polovitch designed this winning logo last year. “That logo is on everything I touch these days - applications for vendors, applications for parade participants, the website where updates are posted whitelakewaterfestival.org, on T-shirt orders, and soon to appear on the billboard on White Lake Drive," said Water Festival Chairman, Terri Hawley. “When she turned the corner today and saw her design repeated 16 times across the banner, her expression was priceless,” Ms. Hawley added.

This photo will be going out to Art Teachers across the county encouraging students to enter the White Lake Water Festival Student Logo Competition for this year. Next spring another young artist will be able to see their work posted everywhere.

The Step and Repeat banner will be located at Goldston’s Beach throughout Water Festival Weekend ~ May 17, 18, & 19, for your photo opportunities. During Water Festival weekend, at the Wake Shop at Goldston’s, you will be able to vote for next year’s winner.

This competition has a cash prize of $100 sponsored by McDuffie Pest Control and Cape Fear Fire Protection. Miss Polovitch will be riding a float with the ten finalists from this year’s contest in the Water Festival Parade also sponsored by McDuffie Pest Control and Cape Fear Fire Protection.

Waves of Fun Under the Sun

🎉 Join the Splash-tastic Water Festival Parade! 🌊🎺

Dear Water Festival Community,

Get ready to make waves and spread the joy at our upcoming Water Festival Parade! We're on the lookout for fantastic bands, musicians, and exciting parade units to make this event an unforgettable celebration of water, music, and fun. And we are asking for YOUR HELP!

The parade begins at 10AM on May 18th and runs from Camp Clearwater to the Scotchman - all the way down White Lake Drive.

How can I participate? You or someone you know has just what we are looking for! Showcase your talent to a vibrant community. Be part of a memorable celebration. Join the fun and make a splash!

What We're Looking For:

🎺 Bands & Musicians: Bring the streets to life with your lively tunes and rhythmic beats!

🚤 Water-themed Floats: Dive into creativity and design a float that embodies the spirit of water.

🌟 Exciting Parade Units: From dance troupes to stilt walkers, we want it all! Show off your unique skills and entertain the crowd.

How to Participate: Register: Check the WhiteLakeWaterFestival.org site, under “Applications”. Registration is required.

Prepare: Plan your performance or float design.

Showcase: Join us on May 18th and be ready to dazzle!

Contact Information and for more information contact us at: Camp Clearwater Office, 2038 White Lake Dr., Elizabethtown, NC 28337/(910)862-3365 or email: info@campclearwater.com or Jeane’ Pope (910)583-3232 whitelakewaterfestival@gmail.com

Let's make a splash together! 🌊🎉

Let's give these two beauties a
White Lake Water Festival
welcome!

The reigning

Miss North Carolina 2024,

Taylor Lloyd, will be joining us for the festival this year. You can see her in the parade. Taylor, along with Hailey will be emceeing the Fashion Show on the big stage at Goldston's on Saturday.

The reigning

Miss North Carolina Volunteer 2024,

Hailey Hudson will be joining us throughout the weekend. You can see her in the parade on Saturday morning, and emceeing the Fashion Show at Goldston's.