The Broad River Watershed Association will host a canoe float and candlelight cookout dinner on Saturday, October 21, 2006. An evening of Celtic dance music from Banish Misfortune, a popular Athens band, accompanies the dinner.

The dinner is $5 per person for Broad River Watershed Association members, or $10 for non-members. The public is invited to "come float with us down the beautiful Broad River on a peaceful Saturday afternoon," according to BRWA spokesman Victor Johnson. The canoe float begins at 1 p.m., from the Franklin Lodge at Camp Kiwanis, 2613 Old Wildcat Bridge Road off Highway 29 North in Madison County.

The float is $10 per person to rent a canoe, or $5 per person for shuttle service if you bring your own boat. Dinner starts with appetizers and music at 6 p.m. at the Franklin Lodge at Camp Kiwanis, followed by a cookout of hot dogs, veggie burgers, and all the fixings, plus tea and soft drinks. Afterwards, entertainment will feature live Celtic music by Banish Misfortune. BRWA members at the protector level or above can attend the float, dinner and dance for free but reservations are required.

The BRWA is a non-profit regional land trust dedicated to preserving Georgia's river corridors, undeveloped open space, wetlands, wildlife habitat, forestland, farm land, and unique natural ecosystems within the Broad River basin. BRWA's goal is to ensure, through work with local landowners, local governments, and state agencies, that these natural resources will enhance the quality of life in our region for present and future generations to come.

The Broad River Watershed consists of the land area drained by the Broad River and its tributaries, the Hudson River and the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Broad River. The Broad River contains the largest stretch of pristine, free-flowing (undammed) river remaining in the State of Georgia. The National Park Service, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Georgia Natural Heritage Program have all noted the pristine character of the Broad River and its outstanding ecological and recreational importance to Northeast Georgia. The BRWA has taken great strides since its founding in 1991 to preserve and protect the Broad River watershed and its natural environment, which are an invaluable resource of this region.

To make reservations or for more information, call Tom Reynolds at 706-207-3340.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Broad River Watershed Association should write BRWA, P. O. Box 661, Danielsville, Georgia 30633, email at board@brwa.org, or go to www.brwa.org.