The first annual Chattooga River Fest gets underway tomorrow in Lyerly.  The event is meant to showcase the Chattooga River and all the opportunities that the river presents for area residents and visitors alike here in Chattooga County.

Sometimes known as “the other Chattooga River” – since there are two rivers with the same name in Georgia – the river gets its start in Northwest Georgia and winds its way to Alabama’s Weiss Lake.  The Chattooga River Group was formed locally to promote the use of the river and this year’s River Fest is part of those efforts.  There are a lot of events planned for Saturday and Sunday.

TJ Grogan will lead an online Fishing Tournament all along the Chattooga River from Trion to beyond Chattoogaville. For more information on the event, visit Facebook (Chattooga River Kayak Fishing Tournament), call 706-506-9576 or or email tgrogan@advancerehab.com. Registration is $45 and includes t-shirt & festival wristband.

There will also be a Kayak Paddle from the launch at Lyerly Dam to Chattoogaville. Those interested in participating can visit online at ChattoogaRiverGroup.org or contact Gena Agnew at 706-346-5256 or email gbagnew@aol.com. The cost is $30/single, $50/tandem and includes a festival wristband. The first 40 registrants get ditty bags and t-shirts.

The North Georgia Cruisers will be onsite at Angus McLeod Memorial Park on Saturday, April 30. Kids can enjoy some rides at the kids carnival, catch the lumberjack show, and learn some neat tricks at one of the sports camps after the show.

There will also be vendors, outfitters, food, and a kayak raffle.