The Big Event a big success

  • Following the Tang Soo Do demos, the dancers from Sole Momentum hit the stage.
    Following the Tang Soo Do demos, the dancers from Sole Momentum hit the stage.
  • On stage, students from Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Academy demonstrate their moves.
    On stage, students from Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Academy demonstrate their moves.
  • At event sponsor Smith Communications’ tent are Rhidds Martin, Dillon Watkins, Violet Tilson and Rhett Martin.
    At event sponsor Smith Communications’ tent are Rhidds Martin, Dillon Watkins, Violet Tilson and Rhett Martin.
  • Big Event vendor ‘Cedar Creations’ by the O’Kelley’s.
    Big Event vendor ‘Cedar Creations’ by the O’Kelley’s.
  • Before The Big Event started, a color guard from Lake Country Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol marches and presents flags during the national anthem.
    Before The Big Event started, a color guard from Lake Country Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol marches and presents flags during the national anthem.
  • Delicious steak treats are served up by Chef McCord of Ripe Thing Market, accompanied by Greig McCully, owner/president of Kitchen Expert.
    Delicious steak treats are served up by Chef McCord of Ripe Thing Market, accompanied by Greig McCully, owner/president of Kitchen Expert.
  • Members of the Builders Association present include Alliance Home and Land Group.
    Members of the Builders Association present include Alliance Home and Land Group.
  • Holly Noordhoek with Phil Hagen and Steele King came out to enjoy the Big Event.
    Holly Noordhoek with Phil Hagen and Steele King came out to enjoy the Big Event.
  • Owners of ’44 Signs’ Kattie and Beth Harris with Charley, their dog.
    Owners of ’44 Signs’ Kattie and Beth Harris with Charley, their dog.
  • Daniel and Luke assist their mother, Melinda Spivey, at her booth on Saturday.
    Daniel and Luke assist their mother, Melinda Spivey, at her booth on Saturday.
  • Abigail Jones and Macina McLean show off their new face paint designed by Happy Rainbow Creations.
    Abigail Jones and Macina McLean show off their new face paint designed by Happy Rainbow Creations.
  • The children and adults all loved the ponies on-hand for petting.
    The children and adults all loved the ponies on-hand for petting.
  • The one and only Mosquito Hunter was among the attendees of The Big Event.
    The one and only Mosquito Hunter was among the attendees of The Big Event.
  • Emrie Kennedy gives a grin while getting her hair done at The Big Event.
    Emrie Kennedy gives a grin while getting her hair done at The Big Event.
  • Woodie and his wife Carol Harper enjoy the sun in front of the stunning handmade birdhouses, that Woodie and his son-in-law make.
    Woodie and his wife Carol Harper enjoy the sun in front of the stunning handmade birdhouses, that Woodie and his son-in-law make.
  • Long lines at the Kids Zone Saturday afternoon at The Big Event.
    Long lines at the Kids Zone Saturday afternoon at The Big Event.

    The 2023 Big Event, hosted by the Lake Oconee Area Builders Association (LOABA) took place Saturday at Lake Oconee Village, with 144 local exhibitors on hand.

    They included home builders, remodelers and building suppliers, among others involved in the construction industry. Other vendors included mortgage companies, pest control, home-and-garden merchants, boat sales, local artists, craftsmen, and several non-profit organizations.

    Food was available throughout the day from Chick-fil-A, with food trucks from Farmers Funnel Cakes, Queen Churro, Five Finger Philly, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Just Loaf’n, Kona Ice and Island Chef Café.

    A great Kids Zone offered face painting, hair and balloon creations, sand art, games and more.

    The Lake Country Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol presented the colors to kick off the event. Saltamacchio Karate demos were back once again by popular demand and also the dancers from The Arts Barn with a great display of clogging.

    Three fabulous prizes were given away by LOABA among entrants who scanned one of the onsite QR codes. The prizes were Airpods Pro, a Green Mountain Pellet Grill and a Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven.

    All proceeds from the beer and wine garden went to benefit Wild Jaeger Veteran Adventures, a 501c3 nonprofit whose goal and mission is to connect veterans to one another, connect veterans with nature and connect vets to local and national programs to improve their overall well-being.

    The Big Event
    Greene County
    Lake Oconee Area Builders Association