The Lake Lanier Association's Annual Shore Sweep event will celebrate its 30th year this fall.
Over the past 30 years, the event has picked up 1,000 tons of trash from the Lanier shoreline, according to the Lake Lanier Association Executive Director Joanna Cloud.
"We're calling 30 years and a thousand tons of fun," said Cloud.
To celebrate the 30th year, Cloud said they have planned a pre-event party at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on Saturday, August 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the event will feature a live band, games, a water slide and activities for the whole family. The website states a special gift will be given to anyone wearing a Shore Sweep t-shirt from the past, including a prize for the oldest shirt.
New volunteers are not left out though. "People who sign up to work Shore Sweep [at the event] will get a free food ticket for a hot dog."
Cloud said other vendors include Kona Ice and Tap It!
"It's just a big party to celebrate the volunteers that have helped us over the past 30 years," said Cloud.
For the Shore Sweep event on September 15, volunteers collect as much trash as they can and bring it to a drop off location along the shoreline, either on the day of the event or at an advanced drop-off location up to two weeks before.
Cloud said they need volunteers with vessels to get trash out of the water. "We need kayaks, we have a lot of jet skis that participate, canoes, the smaller stuff really helps us get into the back of the coves. All size vessels are needed."
Drop off stations are located at parks, boat ramps and participating marinas all around the lake. Volunteers can pick up trash bags there and go out and collect as much trash as they want - and try to break the record of nine tons of trash for a crew.
