Garrett Mitchell
The Locust Grove Bluegrass and Joe Beam, with the gorgeous backdrop of a tranquil Lake Robinson, provided the entertainment Sunday.
Garrett Mitchell
Wendy Watson holds Widget, a species of a screech owl.
Garrett Mitchell
A junior firefighter enjoys playing on the ladder truck of the Lake Cunningham Fire Department.
Garrett Mitchell
A woman in a canoe enjoys the serenity of Lake Robinson.
Hundreds came out to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful scenery of the lake.
Live music from the Locust Grove Bluegrass Band and Joe Beam, wildlife exhibits, canoe rides, a fire safety trailer from the Lake Cunningham Fire Department, and lots of homemade foods were featured.
"This event started shortly after Friends of Lake Robinson formed, some 10 years ago," said Pat Hicks, board member of Friends of Lake Robinson.
"Our mission statement talks about doing what we can to keep the lake pristine,” Hicks said. “The thought process was, what better opportunity to showcase this area than to have some kind of event. Someone dreamed up the idea of calling it the Lake Robinson Day of Celebration."
The event, in its eighth year, helps raise local support for keeping the lake a clean and viable resource of drinking water for Greer and its surrounding communities.
Lake Robinson, along with Lake Cunningham, are the only two fresh water reservoirs in the area to provide drinking water.
Lake Robinson, framed by lush forests and mountains behind the north shore, sets a beautiful backdrop for activities such as small watercraft boating and fishing. No swimming is allowed in the lake.
Lake Warden Chuck Barnes said maintenance of the lake's natural beauty is a sense of pride among local residents. "You always catch somebody throwing a piece of paper down, but the majority, ninety-nine percent of people, are very active in keeping the lake clean," he said.
"Especially once they learn it's their drinking water, their recreation. This is quiet. This is peaceful. People really learn to appreciate what they have,” Barnes said.
Other attractions Sunday featured a virtual fishing simulator from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Children's activities, including an inflatable bounce house, were provided by the City of Greer Parks and Recreation Department.
The Rotary Club of Greater Greer provided hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks.
"(Friends of Lake Robinson Day of Celebration) is more to promote environmental quality and safety, environmental stewardship, and the quality of the lake and life here," said Lillian Hanley, engineer with the City of Greer Storm Water Division.
All events were free and proceeds from food sales helped pay event costs, promote lake conservation, and contribute to local high school scholarships.
"We have had a fairly consistent and strong turnout of the community," Hicks said.
"All the help we get from the public, we appreciate it," Barnes said.