Join Shore Sweep: September 23 event marks 35 years of lake cleanups

By Pamela A. Keene

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 23. That’s when the Lake Lanier Association celebrates 35 years of lake-wide cleanups.

“Over the years, we’ve involved thousands of volunteers, from neighborhood groups to churches, scout groups to marina members, to help keep Lake Lanier clean,” said Bonny Putney, chair of Shore Sweep and LLA board member. “We count on the community each year to help with this important event and they con- tinue to step forward.”

In 2022, the association set a record for trash collection: 90 tons of trash, garbage and debris. More than 1,400 volunteers took part.

“The work for Shore Sweep goes on all year,” Putney said. “We’re lining up sponsors to help with trash removal, equipment and dumpster donations to make the event a success. Fortunately, our drop-off points for advanced collection and our on-site locations have become consistent over the years, so it makes it easier to

By Pamela A. Keene

Organizers have reported that registrations have sold out for the 15th Annual Pirates of Lanier Poker Run on Lake Lanier. The event, being held this year September 13-15, will be headquartered at Margaritaville at Lake Lanier. Lead sponsors are Jape Services and Hamilton Marine Finance.

The event raises money for three local charities: Camp Sunshine, Camp Twin Lakes and Lanier Boys & Girls Clubs.

According to the group’s Facebook page, many of the big boats from out of state will be return- ing. coordinate and communicate with volunteers.”

Friday’s events include Cheeseburger Paradise with a stereo competition in the afternoon and an evening welcome party and dinner, plus the mandatory captain’s safety meeting.

Six card stops –Holiday, Lazy Days, Habersham Pointe, Port Royale, Safe Harbor Aqualand Marina and Gainesville Marina – open at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Boaters turn in their cards at the Casino Night at Landshark Landing, which will be followed by fireworks.

For more information or to donate, visit lanierpirates.com.

This year advance drop-off sites will open in early September. They include Shady Grove Park-

Beach (drop off by boat only), Beaver Ruin, Gwinnett Park, Gaines Ferry Island, Beaver Island, Wahoo Island 2WC and Nix Bridge Island.

“At these locations, people can drop off trash as close to the signs at the sites as possible,” she said. “In coordination with our sponsors, pickups will take place immediately after Shore Sweep is over.”

Thirteen day-of collection sites include Bald Ridge Marina, Shady Grove-Boat Access Only, Port Royale Marina, War Hill

Park, Toto Creek Park, Don Carter State Park, Laurel Park, Holly Park, Gainesville Marina, Balus Creek Boat Ramp, Aqualand Marina, Lanier Islands Boat Ramp and Gwinnett Park.

“Each of these sites will be staffed from 8 a.m. to noon on collection day,” she said. “We encourage people to come early to avoid the heat later in the morning.”

To register and for more information, including GPS coordinates for the advance sites, visit lakelanier.org.

By Pamela A. Keene

The Lake Lanier Boat Show, presented by the Marine Trade Association of Metro Atlanta, has already become a semiannual tradition on Lake Lanier. Happening each spring and fall – this year the weekend of Sept. 29-Oct. 1 – the show brings together local boat dealers and marine-related businesses for three days. Based at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, it was set for success right out of the gate in October 2022.

“Each time we present this show, we find more ways to make it better for our customers, our dealers and the community,” said Tabor Reins, president of the Marine Trade Association of Metro Atlanta. “Not only are we presenting our 2023 and 2024 models, we’re showcasing them where people will enjoy them the most – right here on the water and on the shores of Lake Lanier.”

The show averages 50 different brands, from run-abouts, pon- toons and wake boats to houseboats, center consoles and multihulls from more than 15 local dealers.

A vendors village, family and children’s activities and fireworks create a casual atmosphere for people to view more than 250 boats and talk with dealers.

“Our goal is to provide the best boat-buying experience and encourage a love of recreation and family fun on the water,” Reins said. “Come out and see what we’re all about.”

For more information, visit lakelanierboatshow.com.