End-of-Summer Fun at Hadad’s Lake
On August 23, Hadad’s Lake is going to be the site for one big Splash when the 7th Annual Seafood Splash brings families and couples together for a feast and fun. The event features live music, basketball, volleyball, a water slide, paddle boat rides, and card games. The cost of entrance includes entertainment, games, and your meal of crabs, fish, burgers, hot dogs, and more. Radio personalities Dee Dee Renee, DJ Drake, and Storming Norman will make appearances.
Who’s behind the big Splash? Richmond resident Christopher McNeil, 35, has been part of all seven. “I was sitting back years ago with some friends of mine and talking,” the Sony accountant says. “We decided and brainstormed, ‘How would a crab feast be, with people coming to eat crabs, with music?’”
The first Splash was successful, and provided lessons for its organizers. “We anticipated a crowd of about 400 people,” McNeil remembers. “It turned out to be almost 1100 people showed up. [Future events] got promoted better, and we took the steps to make it more structured, more sound, to make it better for the audience.” While rain dampened a couple years, each Splash has added attractions.
“Last year we started a jazz band performing there. We’re having them again this year. You’re out there eating crabs, you’re enjoying the sunlight, you can get in the water. We promote family so that adults can bring their kids, their grandkids, whatever. A lot of families look at it as an end-of-summer thing to do for their kids. This year it’s the last weekend before Labor Day and kids go to school after Labor Day. I believe in it for the fact that I do try to give a lot to the people. I’m into it to provide a value to the family.” McNeil says that some families travel from out of state for the event and that others make it a reason for their annual reunion. Asked about future Splashes, McNeil answers, “An 8th is only going to be done if I can keep it at a good value.”
7th Annual Seafood Splash, Hadad’s Lake, 12 noon – 7 p.m. Tickets, $35 in advance. Slightly more at the door. Sponsors include BDPA of Richmond, KISS FM, and Freeman’s Men Shop.
