Events Calendar

Mark your calendar. Or don't. We won't check.

Annual Events

Annual Boat Ramp Argument Championship

Every Saturday, May - September • All Ramps

Watch locals debate who backed in wrong, whose trailer is crooked, and whether that guy's registration is expired. Categories include: "Loudest Unsolicited Advice," "Most Creative Insult," and "Fastest to Involve a Spouse." Trophies awarded. Restraining orders possible.

Entry Fee: Free (emotional damage not covered)

The Great Dock Collapse Memorial 5K

June 14th • Big Water Marina

Run in memory of the dock that couldn't hold Uncle Jerry's pontoon party (2019, never forget). The route follows the shoreline and includes one mandatory moment of silence at the collapse site. Finishers receive a medal shaped like a broken 2x4.

Registration: $25 (includes commemorative broken dock fragment)

Fireworks Over Fake Hartwell

July 4th • Everywhere, simultaneously

Same as regular fireworks but we claim they're better. Every marina, dock, and pontoon boat within 50 miles launches their own display, creating a chaotic 360-degree experience that terrifies every dog in two states. Duration: "until someone calls the sheriff" (usually 45 minutes).

Admission: Own a boat, know someone with a boat, or swim

Jet Ski Jousting Tournament

August 3rd • Portman Shoals Area

Exactly what it sounds like. Two riders, two pool noodles, full speed ahead. Insurance not provided. Helmets "encouraged" (ignored). Last year's champion, Ricky "Splash" Thompson, remains undefeated and only slightly concussed. DNR has asked us to stop. We have not.

Rules: No actual lances. Pool noodles only. No eye contact before joust.

The Catfish Calling Contest

September 20th • Andersonville Point

Yell at the water. See what happens. Contestants have 3 minutes to lure a catfish using only their voice. Techniques range from "motivational speaking" to "reading the fish their horoscope." Last year's winner whispered sweet nothings. A 40-pounder surfaced. Nobody can explain it.

Prize: Bragging rights and a "Catfish Whisperer" bumper sticker

Red Clay Mud Run

October 12th • Twelve Mile Creek

A 5K through the finest Georgia red clay after a good rain. You will fall. You will stain every piece of clothing you own. You will question your life choices. But the post-race hose-down party is legendary and the "before and after" photos are priceless.

What to bring: Clothes you never want to wear again. A towel (it won't help).

Monthly Happenings

First Friday Fish Fry

First Friday of every month

Community fish fry where everyone brings what they caught that week. If you didn't catch anything, bring coleslaw. If you don't have coleslaw, bring a good story. If you don't have a story, just show up anyway — we won't turn you away.

Full Moon Kayak Parade

Every full moon • Clemson Marina

Glow sticks, LED lights, and questionable sobriety levels converge for a nighttime kayak parade. It's beautiful, chaotic, and someone always drops their phone in the water. Bring a waterproof case. Or don't. Your phone's probably due for an upgrade anyway.

Sunday Morning Dock Coffee

Every Sunday • Various Docks

BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug). Show up at any dock at sunrise, and there's a 60% chance someone has coffee. 30% chance it's Irish coffee. 10% chance it's just lake water someone's pretending is coffee. Conversation topics: weather, fish, and "did you hear about Dale's boat?"