Each year, our July 4th celebration at Lake Oconee brings together people we love for an evening filled with joy, gratitude, and reflection. With the lake as our backdrop and freedom in our hearts, we welcomed family, friends, and friends who’ve become family for another sunset gathering to honor the birth of our nation.
From backyard conversations to lakeside laughter, the evening felt like a true reunion of kindred spirits. Southern comfort food by our friends from Lee Epting Catering and Design set the stage again for a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Just as the sun began to dip, casting golden light across the water, the band turned up the volume and got the crowd moving. One of the highlights of the evening was watching our daughter, Remi Baker, take the mic. A current NYU student with a love for music, she was joined by the immensely talented Ethan Hanzlik, a rising star from USC.
Another proud moment for us as parents was when our son, Stu Baker, delivered the blessing and a thoughtful speech about our country’s founding ideals. With clarity and conviction, he reminded us all why this celebration matters—honoring the courage of those who came before us and the freedoms we cherish today.
As darkness settled over the lake, we gathered at the dock for the grand finale: a spectacular fireworks show that lit up the sky and reflected like diamonds on the water.
At Lake Oconee, where community runs deep, we’re grateful to continue this tradition with each passing year and it is one of our greatest joys. Here’s to freedom, fireworks, and the people who make this place beautiful.
About Riezl Baker
A leading name in luxury real estate, Riezl Baker is nationally recognized and has over 24 years of experience bringing unmatched expertise, strategic vision, and a heartfelt commitment to excellence.
As co-founder of Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group, she has redefined what it means to deliver top-tier service. In 2024 alone, she closed over $120 million in sales, earning the title of #1 Individual Agent in Lake Oconee area by the Lake Country Board of REALTORS®. Her consistent performance has also placed her in the Top 1% of Georgia MLS.
Riezl Baker has been nationally recognized as a RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker & Achiever from 2023- 2024, and most recently as a 2025 RISMedia Luminary. She was named a Top Luxury Real Estate Leader by The Atlantan magazine four times, including in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Whether selling a $10 million lakefront estate or advising first-time buyers, Riezl Baker brings the same level of professionalism, market knowledge, and integrity to every transaction. Her passion for service extends beyond real estate—she’s a respected community leader, philanthropist, and speaker, deeply involved in the causes that shape Lake Oconee’s future.
