Five things to know before the Sara Sweep coming up in September

The 9 ^th Annual Sarah Sweep will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, in Lawndale.

Here are five things to know about the annual event and how to participate:

What

The 9th Annual Sarah Sweep on the First Broad River near Lawndale and First Broad River Festival to be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Tickets

First BroadRiverFestival tickets are $20. Children under age 8 and all volunteers receive free entry.

Register for the cleanup and purchase afterparty tickets at mountaintrue.org/event/9th-annual-sarah-sweep-and-first-broad-river-festival-near-lawndale-nc/ .

Details

The day will begin with a river cleanup at 10 a.m., followed by an evening of food and music at the First Broad River Festival, featuring Doug Fortenberry's barbecue chicken and ribs served from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and live music featuring Red Crayon and Bruised Rhino from 6 to 9 p.m., with special guest Steve Spencer.

Background

The annual Sarah Sweep is held in honor of Sarah Spencer, who tragically passed in a car accident along with friends Beejay, Billy and Davey in 2016. Sarah cared deeply for the health and well-being of the Broad River and would always stop to pick up litter as she paddled the river.

The Broad Riverkeeper and MountainTrue extend their gratitude to Judy and Steve Spencer, Jodi and Joe Morgan of J. Morgan Company, Jeff and Julie Weathers of The Biz Hub, Michael and Patsy Cheng, Community First Media, and Double Shoals Cotton Mill for sponsoring the 9th Annual Sarah Sweep.

About MountainTrue

MountainTrue champions resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities. Members protect forests, clean up rivers, plan vibrant and livable communities, and advocate for a sound and sustainable future for all. MountainTrue is active in the Broad, French Broad, Green, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, New, and Watauga watersheds and is home to the Broad Riverkeeper, French Broad Riverkeeper, Green Riverkeeper, and Watauga Riverkeeper.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Five things to know before the Sara Sweep coming up in September