Last Splash

Austin Abel of Hickory, who's among the country's top waterskiiers, will return to Lake Lure's Mystic Waters retreat for a Pro-Am tourney. (photo by Michelle Yelton)

Austin Abel of Hickory, who’s among the country’s top waterskiiers, will return to Lake Lure’s Mystic Waters retreat for a Pro-Am tourney. (photo by Michelle Yelton)

A week ago, Lake Lure hosted a mighty double-header of events: its annual Olympiad sporting event and the nationally known Dirty Dancing Festival, honoring the cult movie’s diehard fans at its original filming locale.

The waters of the picturesque Rutherford County lake have hardly settled, but this week, the area’s Mystic Waters retreat will host the second annual Pro-Am Waterski Tournament and Festival, banking on the surprising 1,000-some sportsmen and sportswomen who showed up last year (the event also includes skeet shooting).

Held August 22, the event is hosted by corporate sponsors from several states, although the on-site massage, juggling, food trucks, and live music peg it as a mountain-made affair. In a photo finish, you can’t top a more gorgeous backdrop than Lake Lure, and an even bigger gush of competitors is expected this year.

10am-6pm. Free admission. www.aroundlakelure.com/mystic-waters-pro-am-waterski-tournament-festival/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *