Lakefest a hot ticket
After a query on The Times Journal Facebook page, Robin McDougall submitted a stunning photo of the fireworks finale at Jamestown’s Lakefest celebration.
By Wade Daffron
TJ Editor
There were plenty of fans at Lakefest this past weekend.
Both “fans” of music, and literally, hand-held fans as people attempted to stay cool in the throes of a several-day heat wave.
In both mood and music, this year’s two-day Lakefest celebration in Jamestown has been hailed as one of the best ever.
As the sun set on the Monument Square Saturday evening, the faded face of the clock at the top of the Russell County Courthouse was occasionally illuminated by a nearby burst of celebratory fireworks.
With the United States celebration its 250th anniversary, and the City of Jamestown acknowledging their 200th birthday in conjunction with the annual Lakefest event, the patriotic spirit was alive and well.
As the second of two tributes bands left the stage, Jamestown City Clerk Debbie Perkins, smiled as she rose from her vantage point on a golf cart.
“Well!” she exclaimed. “What do you think of those bands so far? And wait till you see what’s coming!”
A man sitting at the base of a lightest post shook in head from near disbelief.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear that last band WAS the Beatles,” he said. “They were FANTASTIC!”
The two-day festival began Friday with an evening of pageants and Triple Crown Wrestling, which always brings a crowd.
Saturday’s events stated earlier with a traditional Breakfast in the Park, a 5K and 10K run, games, a car show, tractor show, and an array of vendors-some of which reported selling out of product due to heightened demand.
Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton led games on Monument Square Saturday during Lakefest.
A triple hit Saturday night was three bands: The ’77 Experience, a super-tight, melodic presentation of classics from the 70’s, The Return, an amazing Beatles tribute band who faithfully recreated an array of the groups’ early hits in both looks and sound, and Family Tradition, a stellar Hank Williams, Jr., tribute band which featured well known local musicians.
Lakefest ended with its popular fireworks display which lit up the sky throughout the city limits.
Issuing thanks to all who attending, participating, and even those who cleaned up afterward, Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton said event was a rousing success.
“The hot temperatures sure never kept the people away,” she said. “There was awesome attendance, and the bands were wonderful. What a wonderful turnout for Lakefest!”
