It’s been “A long and winding road” but Lake Oconee will welcome Beatlemania Live this weekend for the 5th annual music festival in the heart of Georgia’s Lake Country.

Site of the 2008 Main Event — Gary’s Garden Center is located on Linger Longer Road at the entrance to Reynolds Plantation and The Ritz Carlton Lodge. Music begins at 5 p.m. with The Dell Suggs Trio, followed by Dan C. McGinnis, then a full dose of Beatle-era “getting together” with friends.

Unique for a regional festival is the Main Event site under the 3-acre pavilion at Gary’s. The festival’s silent auction will be on site along with great food and beverages featuring festival sponsor Habersham Winery. Food will be presented by The Twisted Oak and Big Kev’s BBQ. It’s a great time to gather the group together — bring your chairs and enjoy a fabulous fall Saturday. Del Suggs Trio from Florida will lead off around 5, then Chicago’s Dan McGuinness on guitar then the Tony Award-winning Beatlemania Live show beginning at 9 p.m.

Opening night features Artoberfest at the Steffen Thomas Museum on Thursday with a Lake Country favorite, Gwen Hughes and her Jazz Katz. Tickets and information are available at www.steffenthomas.org. This annual fundraiser is to benefit the tri-county art program Oceans of Possibilities that has engaged so many young people with the arts and the lake. Just down the road from Lake Oconee in beautiful Buckhead!

New for 2008 is “The Dine-around Georgia’s Lake Country” event. Friday features “getting to know Kingston on Lake Oconee” as they host the 5:30 to 7:30 event out at their new site off Kingston Rd in Buckhead. To reserve your complimentary ticket email aflo@kingstononlakeoconee. The event will include music by Del Suggs and grilled delights. Also, special festival weekend hotel packages are available through www.lakeoconeefestivals .com or at www.cuscowilla.com.

Tickets (general admission – $25) for Beatlemania Live and the main event are available at Gary’s Garden Center – Linger Longer Road, The Lake Welcome Center/Boats with Gusto and in Madison at Bank of Morgan County/Wal-Mart. Tickets are also available on site. Chairs are welcome, but no coolers or pets — please. On-your-own parking located in the vicinity of Gary’s. Tickets and updates also available at www.lakeoconeefestivals.com. and on WDDK – 103.9.