The 3rd Annual Pete Seeger Tribute, “Float the Boat,” will take place on May 7th at 7 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake.

Nearly 50 years ago Pete Seeger saw that the Hudson River was struggling from over-development and pollution, and felt that if people had intimate contact with the river they would want to help protect it. Seegar and his wife Toshi spearheaded an effort to build the Hudson river sloop Clearwater to take folks onto the river and into its communities.

Today, after carrying more than a half million people over the decades, the sloop needs a U.S. Coast Guard mandated repair of its hull. Clearwater just a couple months away from completing the largest, most complicated and expensive ($850,000) overhaul in its history. $150,000 is still needed to complete the project in time to sail again in June. This is the third and final phase of the five-year hull restoration you can learn more about here.

In Saranac Lake on May 7th, local performers will help celebrate Pete Seeger’s life and help fund the boat repairs. There will be songs that Pete sang and some original music based in the folk tradition and storytelling with performers that include Curt Stager, Celia Evans, Duane Gould, Nancy Bernstein, Lisa and Klaus Meissner, Mike Shepard, Mark Palyswiat, Tom Techman and others.

The First Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake is located at 57 Church Street in Saranac Lake. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and donations for the Clearwater “Float the Boat” campaign will be accepted.

Click here for more information about the “Float the Boat Campaign,” or call (518) 891–3401.

Photo provided: Pete Seeger and Clearwater by Dona Crawford.