First Chinquapin Summer Series Party is Now Nine Days Away 5.14.2026

The First Chinquapin Summer Series party of 2026 is nine days away, and here are a few things to expect:

·         A fun evening of dining and dancing, compliments of your HOA.

·         Live music from Dillon Brown & Company. (Read more about their music here).

·         A delicious BBQ feast cooked by former Chinquapin employee Will Patterson, with sides from the Cashiers Farmers Market.

Set for Saturday, May 23, from 6 to 9 pm at the Outpost, the event kicks off the Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial start to the “busy season” for Chinquapin owners and the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau.

When the new owner-controlled Homeowners Association was formed last fall, one priority was to create a Social Committee to plan the summer and fall parties. This dynamic committee has worked hard to bring another Summer Series of parties and live music to Chinquapin, and we thank them for their efforts. There are volunteer opportunities at the May 23 party, so consider helping with this special event.  If interested, call Vicki Barnett at 678-778-2592. 

The four parties scheduled to date:

·         Saturday, May 23, Memorial Day Weekend – Music by Dillon Brown & Company (Country, Rock, Rhythm and Blues).

·         Sunday, July 5, July 4^th Weekend – Music by the Corey Stevenson Band (Rock-N-Roll and Southern Rock).

·         Saturday, September 5, Labor Day Weekend – Music by the Phatt City Band (Beach Music, R&B, Motown, High-Energy Dance).

·         Saturday, October 17 – Music by Young Mountain Magic (Bluegrass).

A “new style” event is also being considered by the committee. Details will be revealed later.

Owners should have received an email from Rhonda Lekan in the Chinquapin office with a Sign-Up Genius Invitation/Registration form for the party. Please RSVP if you’re attending (or not) to ensure the most accurate attendance count as possible.  A huge turnout is expected for this historic event. Please bring a chair to be sure you’re comfortable for the evening.

A wristband process will be used to ensure only Chinquapin owners, and their invited guests attend.  Once registered, you can pick up your wristbands from Rhonda at the Trading Post between 9 am and 11 am during the week of the party (May18-23). You can also get wristbands at the party, starting at 5:45 pm.

The Social Committee asks that attendees enter the party at the front door of the Outpost, where you can check in at the registration desk and get your wristband if you haven’t already picked it up. You will need a wristband to order your drinks or food.  

Because many Chinquapin owners are still getting acquainted with each other, name tags will be available when you check in and we encourage their use.

A full bar will be available, along with a selection of beers and various wines. Non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks, and water are other options. Crossroads Custard will once again provide custard and cookies.

And the main course will be cooked up by Will Patterson, a former Chinquapin employee who has a passion for grilling and smoking large quantities of beef and pork. Long-time owners will remember that Will and his parents – Lisa and Cameron Patterson – provided delicious BBQ for several parties when Will worked at Chinquapin in 2021-22.

Will said this will be his first trip to Chinquapin in four years and he’s beyond excited to say hello to old friends and partake in what he considers his “by-far favorite hobby.”

Will plans to light the first fires at 3:30 am Saturday morning and then produce more than 150 pounds of beef brisket and pulled pork, slow-cooked over 14 hours on two Lang 84-inch smokers.

When he’s not cooking, Will, 27, works in Raleigh as a Project Manager for Caviness Homes, a home construction company. He graduated from East Carolina University last year with a business degree, with a concentration in finance.

We are happy to have Will back and super excited for the start of another Chinquapin Summer Series. See you at the Outpost!