Lake Oconee Village and The Oconee Performing Arts Society will pair up for the 2009 Village Series, officials announced last week.

The schedule of events will span five months and will feature a variety of opportunities for family and friends to experience the offerings of LOV and OPAS that are, as always, free and open to the public. All of the events will be held around the Village Meadow and Pond at Lake Oconee Village.

On June 27, the series will jump-start with a Village Dance. The 1940s theme to the area will be accented with colored lights strung from poles and a band playing big band-era swing tunes. Prior to the 8 p.m. dance time, lessons will be given at 7 p.m.

Then in July, a concert will be held featuring the Waybacks. The quartet blends Memphis soul, honky-tonk, Parisian swing, classical vintage blue bop, full-tilt road house boogie with a little bit of everything else to produce the unique “Americana” style. James Nash and Warren Hood are featured virtuosos for the band and the public is invited to come to the July 24 event to picnic on the Village Meadow while enjoying this unique band.

On Aug. 15, the inaugural Village Regatta promises to call out the inner sailor in each of us as families, friends, organizations and businesses will design, build and navigate boats made completely out of corrugated cardboard. Up to 10 “sailors” can be on board. This event is expected to be a large draw to the Village series. It is patterned in part on the Cardboard Boat Races held in Heber Springs, Ark. Participants may register their team by visiting www.opas.org.

In September the series will usher in the Village Battle of the Bands. The Battle will be held Saturday, Sept. 12 and each band will perform one song in a preliminary round while applause will determine which bands will fill the three slots in the next round. The winner will earn the title of 2009 Village Battle of the Bands winner. The bands will start the first round of competition at noon. More information and entry forms are available at www.opas.org. The public is invited to attend and bring picnics to The Meadow.

The Village Fall Picnic will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 and will feature a wide variety of activities. The Village Meadow will be the site of fall festival-themed activities and games. MCG Medical Associates as well as other health care providers will also be on site offering health screenings. The day will end with music and a relaxing evening underneath the stars.

The final event of the Village Series will be the Village Holiday Fair featuring offerings from artists and craftsmen. Children can visit with Santa Claus and musical performances will be presented. In addition, the second annual Jingle Bell Run 5K and One Mile Family Fun Run will be held. The Holiday Fair will close out the series and help ring in the holiday season amid bell ringers and Santa hats.

The Lake Oconee Village Series is made possible by sponsors, MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village and Heineken USA. Additional sponsorships of OPAS are still available and more information is available at www.opas.org or by calling (706)

467-6000.