Bash on the Banks: Recap
On October 12, more than two hundred Augusta locals gathered at the River Island Clubhouse to celebrate the conservation accomplishments that have been made this year. With 1,300 new acres of land preserved, hundreds of volunteer hours donated, thousands of dollars raised, and countless communities touched by land conservation and education — there was a lot of celebrate!
The weeks leading up to the Bash were hectic as staff, board members, and volunteers made sure every detail was just right. With volunteers to coordinate, vendors to accommodate, and guests to take care of, there were a lot of moving parts to prepare for an event as important as the Bash. But, when 6:00pm hit and the first guests arrived, it was all worth it.
As we all know, Georgia’s weather can be unpredictable and is forever surprising. On Bash day this year, we set aside the firewood and instead stocked up on ice! And as evening approached, down on the lawn more than 1,600 oysters were being steamed as corn hole boards were being set up. Richard Worth arrived to set up his painting station, and Sweet Magnolia’s were unloading their delicious entrees and sides. It was almost time for the 14th annual Bash!
As guests began to arrive, the Augusta University’s Baseball Team was on hand to shuttle everyone quickly from the parking areas to the Clubhouse. Everyone enjoyed a cold local beer from Riverwatch Brewery or wine and cocktails from Toast Wine & Beverage while meeting friends old and new, listening to the live band – The Unmentionables, and shucking oysters on the lawn.
As the evening continued and the sun dipped below the horizon, guests continued to enjoy fresh-from-the-tap Oktoberfest from the local Riverwatch Brewing Company and tasty southern food from Sweet Magnolia’s.
Soon, hosts Richard Rogers and Brooke Zauner from local news WRDW arrived, and before you knew it, it was time for the most exciting part of the evening: the raffle and live auction. Raffle prizes this year included a custom grill grate, a professional photography session, a family kayak experience, a clay shooting package, and the premier item, a 12-foot angler kayak.
In addition to the prizes, local artist Richard Worth spent the evening completing a one-of-a-kind painting for the live auction. Once the lucky winners won their raffle prizes, Richard and Brooke did an incredible job auctioning Richard’s beautiful acrylic painting of the Savannah River landscape.
During all the fun, we spent a few moments thanking our wonderful Chairman, Rob Pavey, for a job well done during his 4 years on the Board, and presenting him with a custom framed print of his favorite antique fishing lures. His leadership and dedication to local land conservation will have a lasting impression on the Land Trust, and we are so thankful.
As the evening carried on and the last of the oysters were eaten, Sweet Magnolia’s served their delicious peach and apple cobblers, and cocktails served as motivation for some dancing. The Unmentionables kept the party going as couples made their way to the floor to swing dance and the temperature luckily dipped.
As the Bash on the Banks wound down, there were many goodbyes and “thank yous” for an incredible evening under the southern sky as we celebrated so many conservation successes with our community of supporters, volunteers, board members, and sponsors.
To all our landowners, members, those who donated, volunteers, sponsors: you are the Land Trust and you are what make the Bash the huge success it always is! You are what allows us to continue our mission to save many more wild and unique properties in and around this beautiful place we call home!
If you missed the Bash, we hope you will join us next year. We invite you to join our mailing list to be alerted about all the latest and greatest, including when 2018 Bash tickets go on sale.
