Lake Lure Show Update
My the summer season is going by quickly, and I hope that you’ve had enjoyabe experiences with friends, family!
I would llike to take this opportunity to update our Chapter on Lake Lure Show at the end of September and the first days of October. We have received a number of Registrations and more are coming in steadily. Thank you!
In our last update I was able to share the overall Commemoration plan for the 100th Anniversary of the Dam Impoundment on 9/30/1926. This was a remarkable engineering achievement at the time, while transforming the Hickory Nut Gorge and creating the destination of Lake Lure. This legacy continues today and is a special anniversary to celebrate.
John Heiderich and myself will arrive at Lake Lure on September 28th to be ready for television interviews on the early morning of the 29th. We are delighted to participate. We will then be ready to assist those who are arriving on the 29th for the Parade on the 30th.
The plan for the Parade has been refined and I was grateful to speak with Mayor Pro Tem Dave D’Orio in this regard. I have listed the key points below:
We will plan to be in the water and adjacent to the Morse Park Pavilion at 10:45am. The Commemoration Ceremony will be held there from 11am to approximately 11:45. As that can be a longer time to stay in place, we may wait at our pier and then idle over to Morse Park nearer the close of the Ceremony. We wouldn’t want to be starting engines to re-position if it may be breezy. We will finalize this positioning as we get closer to the date. We will also set our order from the oldest to the newest. I will have this listed so we know who we are following.
At the close of the Ceremony, the Parade will be led by a Bennington Tri-Toon with the American Flag displayed. Residents who would like to participate in the Parade will be assembled outside of Washburn Bay. We will be led out in parade order and the residents will ease in after us. Throughout the lake, residents are being encouraged to be on their docks to enjoy the Parade as it goes by. We will be led around the lake and past the Dam. We will not actually stop there. This will be a lower speed progression and a wonderful opportunity to help celebrate this special moment. At the conclusion we wil return to our pier and slips for the upcoming Show.
Turning to your arrival, we will plan for you to come to the temporary building for Lake Lure Tours at the Washburn Marina and check in at that location as done in the past. The purpose is to have your Boating License verified, and the front page of your Insurance Policy submitted showing your coverage. I will bring all of the insurance forms that may be sent to me, and those bringing the document with them personally can present it then. As mentioned previously, having these two items is required to comply with the rules for Lake Lure.
Please also bring your ACBS Waiver from our Registration process. We will collect those, and I will bring the Waiver’s that have been sent directly to me.
Very fortunately, the Town is planning to make 2 ramps available for launch. The first is the main ramp at the Washburn Marina. This is familiar to all of us that have attended the Show previouly, and a new dock has been installed for launching. The Town has also added an adjacent new courtesy dock along the sidwalk into Morse Park.
The second launching option will be the ramp adjacent to our pier by the Beach. This is literally next to our docking and should make the process much smoother. We are very grateful that this choice is available. A map and directions will be provided. As noted previously, our trailer storage will be in the lot up and behind the Inn.
John is our Dockmaster, and we will have your placards and packets ready when you arrive. We will dine informally on the evening of the 29th and 30th following the Parade. The Porch at the Inn will of course be the “hub”!
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On Thursday October 1st, our additional Show attendees will start arriving. We will assist with launching, and the lake is ready for you to cruise on both Thursday and Friday as others come in. Captains giving rides would be great. (We are all aware, but I just need to note that do not accept any compensation or gratuites for these rides).
Our Chapter trailer and pop-up tent will be positioned next to the sidewalk from the Pavilion to our pier. We will be collecting votes there, and look forward to welcoming and seeing everyone. We will dine together informally Thursday evening. The location will be noted closer to the Show dates. On Friday evening, we will share our traditional dinner at the Beach Pavilion. Please enjoy cruising the lake on both days while talking with people who will be coming to see the boats. Saturday is our Show day and the hours will be from 10:00am to 3pm. The food truck at the Pavilion will be open for lunch as an option. Sonya Pitts has been our long time supporter of the Show and is the General Manager of Lake Lure Tours. We are very grateful for all of her assistance.
Theresa McMullin and Sonya have kindly planned a day out for the spouses on Saturday to include Chimney Rock Village, lunch together and a visit up to Chimney Rock State Park. The view is amazing, and all will use the elevator to ascend. Please see the message further below for the details. Our sincerest thank you to them!
Dinner on Saturday evening will be in the Roosevelt Room at the Inn. We will share the People’s and Captain’s Choice Awards along with other recognition. As always, if John or I can assist you, please do not hesitate to call. I took photos of the new Washburn Marina as the installation and construction continue. Please see the link below. The lake looks great, the water park for families is now anchored in the bay adjacent to the beach. The overall lake recovery and reopening has been inspiring to see!
Sincerely, Steve and John
To view more event information CLICK HERE
To Register for this event CLICK HERE
