‘Moonlight on the Capital’ is tonight

Published 10:00 am Saturday, May 14, 2016

The moon will once again shine on the Antebellum capital of Georgia with “Moonlight on the Capital.”

The annual event raises money for the Georgia’s Old Capital Museum goes toward supporting its education programs as well as the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House.

“This is our fifth year,” said Dr. Amy Wright, museum executive director. “It’s our major spring fundraiser.”

The theme of this year’s event is Salute to Sinclair in recognition of Lake Sinclair and its impact on Milledgeville.

“The theme is Salute to Sinclair, so we thought a picnic theme was especially appropriate,” Wright said. “We’re having a gourmet picnic with grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken legs. They will be grilled on the scene with an array of specialty salads and all the trimmings.”

Sally Holmes, the chairperson of this year’s fundraiser, said each year the review committee tries to come up with a new event.

“With Georgia Power leaving, and they’re a big sponsor this year, we thought it would be a good time to showcase Lake Sinclair,” Holmes said.

Georgia Power built the lake after the completion of Sinclair Dam, which was dedicated in 1953.

“The lake opened in 1959, I believe, but the dam was dedicated in 1953 by Gov. Herman Talmadge,” Wright said. “It was named for Benjamin W. Sinclair who also spoke in 1953 at the dedication.”

Work on Sinclair Dam actually began in 1929 under the project name of Furman Shoals. However, work was suspended indefinitely due to the Great Depression and then World War II.

After the war, construction resumed and continued for four years. The dam was completed and dedicated in 1953.

Sinclair Dam is a hydroelectric plant owned and operated by Georgia Power. The power company also owns the Lake Sinclair and maintains it with the help of Georgia officials, such as the department of natural resources. Fish are stocked annually or as needed, and the lake is also used for boating, swimming and other recreational activities.

While Milledgeville is the largest city on the lake, the majority of the lake actually lies in Putnam County and even stretches into Hancock County. It has about 417 miles of shore, allowing plenty of homes and businesses to be located next to the water, a maximum depth of 90 feet and an area of about 15,330 acres.

“We have a collection of vintage photographs of the building of the lake,” Wright said, “and all those will be on display. The table decorations will feature good times on the lake.”

Holmes said because it’s a lake theme, Moonlight will be casual dress, suggesting that some participants may even come wearing shorts.

“We’ve done a ‘50s theme and done a diamond and denim,” Holmes said. “Especially when it’s outside, we keep it casual. We’ve never done anything extremely on the formal side.”

This year’s Moonlight will be held in the GMC Kidd Center. After the picnic dinner, guests will be able to dance to the live music from Reunion.

A silent auction and live auction will be held for items such as a formal dinner for eight, a barbecue for 12, football tickets for UGA versus Tennessee, a guided tour of the Oconee River, a trip to the mountains and two trips to the beach.

“This is the fifth year and the biggest crown we’ve had so far,” Holmes said. “We’ve got lots of great items to auction off, and it’s going to be a fun evening.”

Holmes said the event will have about 225 people in attendance this year. Last year the event raised about $15,000 for the museum.

“We hope to exceed that this year, and I think we will,” Holmes said. “We’ve already gotten $10,000 worth of sponsorships, and that’s before ticket sales and the auctions.”

Holmes said there will be about 20 items for the silent auction and nine or 10 will be on the live auction. The live auction will have the pricier items, such as the trips and football tickets.

Both Wright and Holmes said they are very appreciative of all of the sponsors. With 10 sponsors on the gold level alone, the event is sure to please all of those in attendance.

Tickets were still available as of Thursday, and Wright said those seeking a ticket could call the Old Capital Museum at 478-453-1803 through Saturday. Prices are $60 for museum members and $65 for non-members.

The event is not for children, though Holmes said there has never been a need to set a minimum age. Guests can bring their alcoholic beverage of choice and sit with friends. If guests aren’t coming with a group of people they prefer to sit with, seating will be assigned to make sure the tables are filled efficiently.