River float to benefit DRBA's work

Three Rivers Outfitters is hosting a river float to benefit DRBA's work to promote and preserve our rivers on Sunday, May 31. DRBA depends on contributions from members and other sources of support in order to work for clean water, natural and historical preservation and educational programs throughout the basin. You make all this possible.

DRBA outings are usually free, but this time, we're asking for your help. Please feel free to share this invitation with those who may not have a boat but would like to sample the rivers! In turn, Three Rivers Outfitters will guide you and/or your friends on a 90-minute scenic river trip on the Smith and Dan rivers, home to abundant wildlife, including playful otters, and rare plant communities.

After taking out on the Dan, Three Rivers Outfitters will transport paddlers back to the 1892 Spray Mercantile Building, near the historic Gov. Morehead Park, where you'll enjoy a picnic supper and musical heritage program.

"Picnic in the Park with Charlie Poole," presented by the Eden Preservation Society, will feature musician, historian and radio personality Kinney Rorrer. Rorrer will present a program detailing the life and music of legendary banjo musician Charlie Poole. Sometimes referred to as the "Father of country music," Poole has been credited with having a lasting effect on the evolution of country music and bluegrass musical heritage. Nearby is the Spray Cotton Mills where Charlie Poole once worked.

In July, 1925 Charlie Poole and his North Carolina Ramblers were awarded a recording contract with Columbia Records. Their record was a smash hit and sold over 100,000 copies.

Also in the vicinity is the historic 1898 Nantucket Mill. Piedmont Folk Legacies and its National Banjo Initiative envision a new life for the mill as a National Banjo Museum, recording studio and performance venue.

More details are below. Interested? Just visit the registration page http://riverandbanjoheritage.homestead.com/

DATE: Sunday, May 31
TIME: 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Eden, North Carolina
COST: $50 per person to benefit the Dan River Basin Association.
INCLUDES: Guided trip, boats, gear, transportation from river, picnic and banjo program.

For reservations and additional information: 336-627-6270 or http://www.danriver.org/