Events slated to celebrate lakes creation
Thurmond Lake, the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River, will celebrate its 50th birthday this week. The lake has 71,000 acres of water surrounded by 80,000 acres of federally controlled land.
Here is a list of area events scheduled to commemorate the anniversary:
Today: Former employees and construction workers will mingle with politicians and dignitaries during an invitation-only birthday celebration at the Below Dam, S.C. recreation area. Call (800) 533-3478 for details.
April 15: A Business After Hours event will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at the Thurmond Dam Visitors Center. Call 651-0018 for details.
April 16: The Corps of Engineers will conduct guided public tours of the dam's powerhouse and turbine systems from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Call 1-800-533-3478 for details.
April 16-18: Savannah Valley Antique Extravaganza will be held in downtown McCormick, S.C. Call 864-465-3216.
April 17: A public celebration will be at the Below Dam, S.C., park, and a Thurmond Dam Walk will be held also. Day-use fees are waived at all Corps day-use parks. Call 1-800-533-3478 for details.
April 17: Other events include a 50th Anniversary Poker Run (contact Paula Phillips, Plum Branch Yacht Club, 864-465-3216); and a Laser-Light Show (contact Soap Creek Marina, 706-359-3124).
April 17-18: Events include a sailboat regatta (contact the Augusta Sailing Club, (706) 868-5274); and a 50th Anniversary Fishing Tournament (contact Thomson-McDuffie County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 706-597-1000).
April 18: A 50-mile anniversary bicycle ride will be held. Contact Phil Cohen, Chain Reaction Bicycles, 706-855-2024.
April 19-25: The National Golf Association Hooters Tour will be at Monticello Golf Course. (contact 864-391-4116).