Twenty years ago, the world’s greatest athletes jockeyed for position into the record books during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Gainesville was part of that experience as Lake Lanier Olympic Park hosted the rowing and paddling events.

Now, those same Gainesville residents plus any newcomers can spend an evening remembering those events at “Rio on the Water: Renewal of the Olympic Spirit.”

The celebration will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road. Lake Lanier Olympic Park was the site of the canoe, kayak and rowing events of the 1996 games.

The Brazilian-themed evening will include a live stream of the 2016 Olympic Games opening ceremonies in Rio, with live music, refreshments and dancing under a large tent at the park. It will begin with a “Brazilian Carnival,” including drummers and Samba by the entertainment group Dance Brasil. Tap It will provide craft beer and wine bars alongside Brazilian foods from Chef Kern Chiasson.

A Parade of Honor will showcase the volunteers who helped bring the games to Gainesville, with Gov. Nathan Deal as the special guest of honor.

Finally, the Atlanta Showstoppers, a 12-piece band, will give a three-hour nonstop show throughout the evening.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at www.lakelanierolympicvenue.org.

For more information, visit www.lakelanierolympicvenue.org.