Patrons exit the Crazy River at SoakYa water park at Lake Winnepesaukah.

Memorial Day weekend brings two big events to Lake Winnepesaukah: the opening of SoakYa water park and the annual concert by Confederate Railroad.

SoakYa's first day of the season is Saturday, May 24. Although Lake Winnie will be open weekends through October, SoakYa will close Monday, Sept. 1.

Visitors should note that daily opening and closing times vary by an hour or two between the wet and dry sides of the North Georgia amusement park. Also, starting Saturday, the cost of unlimited rides rises to $31.95 for ages 3-54 since all attractions, wet and dry, are included in the price of admission. The price reverts back to $26 for unlimited rides on Sept. 6 once SoakYa is closed for the season.

Confederate Railroad, the country band known for such hits as "Queen of Memphis," "Jesus and Mama" and "Trashy Women," will perform at 3 and 8 p.m. Sunday, May 25, on the Jukebox Junction Stage. The concert is free with park admission, $10 for those not wishing to ride.

New this year is a series of free concerts by local artists at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, June 2-Aug. 4, on the Lakeside Stage.

Lake Winnie is at 1730 Lakeview Drive. For more information, call 706-866-5681 or visit www.lakewinnie.com.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SCHEDULE

¦ Today, May 22: Lake Winnie: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. SoakYa: Closed.

¦ Friday, May 23: Lake Winnie: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. SoakYa: Closed.

¦ Saturday, May 24: Lake Winnie: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. SoakYa: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

¦ Sunday, May 25: Lake Winnie: Noon-10 p.m. SoakYa: 1-7 p.m.

¦ Monday, May 26: Lake Winnie: Noon-8 p.m. SoakYa: 1-6 p.m.

SOAKYA ATTRACTIONS

¦ Coke Float Cove: A challenging course of floating bottle caps.

¦ Crazy River: Float through in a provided raft or swim through the rolling waves, geysers of water and other wet surprises.

¦ Soak-N-Slide: The children's play area includes four water slides, a zero-depth-entry activity pool and several spray features.

¦ Splish-N-Splash: Two body slides. Splish is dark and enclosed. Splash is a wide-open half-pipe.

¦ Twist-N-Shout: Ride along or with a friend on these tube slides. Twist spins you round and round through several giant helices. Shout sends you barreling through drops and turns in complete darkness.

¦ Zoom Flume: A wet and wild plunge aboard a raft.