Riversweep returns May 21 on Lake Wylie, with prizes

Riversweep volunteers will be collecting more than trash this year, if they hurry.

The annual effort to sign up volunteers early is taking a sporty turn for 2016. Organizers are giving away three pair of Carolina Panthers tickets and four sets of four Charlotte Knights tickets. Also, a Leinenkugel’s backpack with weather radio and Cabela’s gift bag.

The only catch – volunteers have to register online by May 16.

A random drawing will be held for all registration prizes. The tickets will go to volunteer boat captains, a critical need each year for Riversweep. Often the event has a wide range of individuals and groups wanting to participate, but those volunteers are limited in what stretches of shoreline they can access.

More boat captains mean more volunteers along more shoreline.

“We’re always looking for more boat captains,” said C.D. Collins, long-time Riversweep volunteer with the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.

The remaining prizes will be drawn for host sites.

“There’ll be a volunteer winner at each of the 14 sites,” said Neil Brennan with the Lake Wylie Marine Commission.

There are several smaller changes for Riversweep this year, but the largest is obvious.

“Our big concern is people are always into October mode,” Brennan said.

Riversweep on Lake Wylie always has been a fall event. Last fall, drought pulled water so low the event was canceled shortly before it was to start.

“It would just be dangerous putting people out there in boats in areas where they’re accustomed to going,” Brennan said.

The May 21 date was set. Much of the work was done, and only had to be updated. Sponsors Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company and Cabela’s joined. Long-time sponspors hopped back aboard. Belmont and Mount Holly contributed, as did foundations and individuals.

The former Dale’s Landing site was moved to the new Belmont Riverside Marina, due to construction issues. The Copperhead Island site was moved to Long Cove Marina. The only task remaining was to recruit more boat captains, offering prizes along the with standard fare of tarps to cover boats, plastic bags, bottled water and more.

“We really want to see if we can get the boat captains to come on out,” Brennan said. “We’re hoping that some of these things will help.”

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Riversweep returns May 21 on Lake Wylie, with prizes."