Lake Oconee Village (LOV) and the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) announced their 2010 Village Series today with performances and festivities on and around the VILLAGE Meadow and Pond at Lake Oconee Village.

“The 2009 VILLAGE Series brought an energizing new element to the lake area. We are thrilled to offer the series again to the community.” said Jackie Greer, LOV Marketing Coordinator.

Samantha Duthler, OPAS Company Manager shared Greer’s enthusiasm, “This year’s series brings some of the same outstanding flair that laid the ground work for the original VILLAGE Series along with a few surprises that will once again be showcased under the Miller-Brown/OPAS Orchestra Shell.”

The series kicks off Saturday, May 15 with the VILLAGE Picnic. Whether it’s fueling the Latin fire that burns inside of you with Zumba dance lessons from Courtney Pilgrim or satisfying your competitive edge over a friendly sack race, this carefree day will hold something for everyone. Mingle with family and friends on the Village Meadow for good games, good food, and good times all while listening and dancing to live tunes from The Wheels Band. Enjoy the magic of professional magician Bradley Morgan up close and personal then watch as he mystifies us all with his stage show. While you’re there, make the most of the health screening opportunities from MCG Associates. The fun starts at 2:00pm with a special treat wrapping things up at 6:00pm.

The 2nd Annual VILLAGE Cardboard Boat Regatta on August 14 at the Village Pond will surely delight all those who attend. The UGA Tropical Steel Drum Band will once again join in on the fun. This event will start at 2:00pm and has been dubbed Lake Oconee’s most anticipated event of the year offering families, friends, organizations and businesses a chance to design build and navigate a unique and fun boat made entirely of corrugated cardboard and powered by teams of 1 to 10 people. The standard was set at last year’s Regatta with boats christened “Nasty Nessie”,  the “SS Minnow”, and “Knot a Yacht” just to name a few. Inclement weather won’t stop this parade, a rain date of August 21 has already been established! Experience the tradition and exhilaration of this unforgettable event, visit www.OPAS.org for complete Regatta details, boat building tips and tricks and sign up information.

Labor Day weekend holds a party like non other as Lake Oconee Village is transformed to Margaretville at the VILLAGE Concert. A1A – The Official and Original Jimmy Buffet Tribute band, starts the party on Saturday, September 4 at 7:00pm. A1A is the only Jimmy Buffet cover band who has been sanctioned by Jimmy Buffet himself and actually opened for Jimmy Buffet last year when he was performing in Atlanta.

New to the series this year will be the Lighting of the VILLAGE. Wednesday, November 24 welcomes the holiday season with a breath taking tree lighting surrounded by festive performances from local talent. Experience the arrival of Santa and mingle with friends and family over a warm cup of coca. Sure to capture the spirit of the holidays, this event will without a doubt become a Lake Oconee family tradition. The magic of the Lighting of the VILLAGE starts at 7:00pm.

Saturday, November 27 will be the series’ final event with the 3rd Annual VILLAGE Jingle Bell Run. (5k Run & 1mi. Family Fun Run) The Village Jingle Bell Run has become a lake area favorite bringing together children of all ages. Don bells and Santa hats for a unique holiday experience while keeping fit throughout the holidays.

The 2010 Village Series will have something for everyone both young and old. All events are free to the public with cabaret ticket options at some events. A special thanks to our Title Sponsor, MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village and all other sponsors for making it possible to bring this series to the community. Sponsorship opportunities are still available: Presenter Sponsor $10,000, Village Tree Sponsor $5,000, Diamond Sponsor $2,500, Platinum Sponsor $1,000, Gold Sponsor   $500 and Silver Sponsor $250.For more information on the benefits of each sponsorship level or for more information on the 2010 VILLAGE Series please visit us at www.opas.org, www.LakeOconeeVillage .com or call OPAS: (706) 467-6000, Lake Oconee Village: 1(877) 270- LAKE (5253).