A BMX rider entertains the crowd during the Georgia Games Championships opening ceremonies at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center in 1999. FILE/STAFF

The program runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning with interactive games, the Community Expo and mascot appearances. Sports demonstrations, dancers, a parade of athletes and a series of musical performances, highlighted by recording artist Edwin McCain, will follow.

"The opening ceremonies will be a great event," Georgia Games Executive Director Eric Pfeiffer said. "The Expo will be a lot bigger (than in 1999, the last time the Georgia Games were in Augusta)."

Spaces will be available for sponsors and vendors at the Expo to set up booths. Fort Discovery, one of the sponsors, will hold science demonstrations and conduct interactive games.

Team mascots, such as Louie the Lynx (Augusta Lynx), Tony the Pony (Augusta Stallions) and Sting (Augusta GreenJackets) will be roaming the civic center to represent the area's professional minor-league sports.

Demonstrations from several Georgia Games sports, such as lacrosse, disc golf, rowing and fencing, will be held.

The Creative Impressions Choir, Dance Stars and Fort Gordon Army Signal Corps house band will kick off the musical portion of the program. Mixed in will be two performances by top-40 rock vocalist McCain.

McCain's 1997 album entitled Misguided Roses was certified platinum, and features the hit single, I'll Be. His 1999 release, Messenger, went gold.

"With Edwin McCain, we're thrilled to have somebody of his calibre that has such a broad appeal across so many age groups," Georgia Games Championships Manager Scotty McDuffy said. "He loves coming to Augusta, and he's going to have a fantastic show."

Rhythm-and-blues singer Peabo Bryson was the headline musical act at the 1999 opening ceremonies.

The first 1,000 athletes who register for the Georgia Games Championships receive limited-edition opening ceremonies T-shirts and will be admitted for free to the event. They will also participate in the athlete parade.

"The parade pays tribute to those athletes," McDuffy said. "The focus of opening ceremonies is to highlight the amateur athletes competing."

Ticket prices for the opening ceremonies will be $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under, if purchased before Friday through the Georgia Games Championships Office or at www.tixonline. Tickets will cost $8 and $6 the day of the show.

Reach Lane Kramer at (706) 823-3221.