By GINA KINSLOW
GLASGOW — Anyone and everyone is invited to come out to Barren River Lake Saturday and take part in the 22nd Annual Trashmaster’s Classic Lakeshore Cleanup.
The event is set to take place from 8 a.m. to noon and involves everyone pitching in to clean up the lake’s shoreline.
“The Trashmaster’s Classic part of National Public Lands Day, which is usually designated during the month of September every year. Here at Barren River Lake it is an opportunity for local residents to participate in National Public Lands Day. So it gives the community an opportunity to give back to the environment,” said Jared Croley, a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We have hundreds of volunteers who pick up trash along the shoreline, which reduces the visual pollution along the lake and makes for a cleaner environment.”
Pontoon boats will shuttle those wishing to take part in the event to various sites to collect trash along the lake’s 135-mile shoreline. The boats will be available at the following boat ramps: Barren River State Park, Beaver Creek, Peninsula, Narrows, Port Oliver, Bailey’s Point or Walnut Creek.
From 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. participants are then invited to the beach at Barren River Lake State Resort Park for free food, prize giveaways and music by Mike Shea and Friends. Shane Holinde from WBKO Channel 13 will emcee the afternoon activities.
“Special exhibits will be set up at the beach by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, WBKO and Friends of Barren River Lake,” said Ann Stewart, treasurer for the Friends of Barren River Lake.
All participants are urged to bring their own sunscreen and to wear hats to avoid getting sunburned, she said.
“We want you to help preserve the beauty of Barren River Lake, one of Kentucky’s finest,” Stewart said.
Participants are also invited to bring their own pontoon boats, she said.
For more information about the event, call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office at (270) 646-2055.
Anyone who cannot attend, but would like to help sponsor the event, may send donations to Friends of Barren River Lake Inc. at P.O. Box 213, Glasgow, KY 42142-0213.
All donations to the Friends of Barren River are tax-deductible. Call Stewart at (270) 651-3161 for additional information.
