Lake George S.A.V.E. the Lake Festival: 3 days of music to help protect the lake

The Lake George S.A.V.E the Lake Festival kicks off this Friday evening at 6 p.m. in Shepard Park. The three-day event, a fundraiser for the S.A.V.E. Lake George Partnership, will feature non-stop live music at the park’s amphitheater, food trucks, a beer and wine tent, craft vendors, bounce houses, pony rides and a petting zoo. The event is free to attend. Organizers will be collecting donations. Anyone donating $10 or more will receive a souvenir t-shirt.

The S.A.V.E. (Stop Aquatic inVasives from Entering) Lake George Partnership is a collaboration of local municipalities, conservation organizations and researchers dedicated to protecting Lake George from the threat of aquatic invasive species. Lake George Village Mayor Robert Blais serves as its Chair. S.A.V.E. helps fund the lake’s mandatory boat inspection and boat decontamination program. Inspections and boat washing are provided free of charge to boat owners who wish to launch into Lake George.

Lake George is rated by New York State as Class AA-Special, the highest rating given for surface water. The designation means Lake George is drinking water. However, recreational use of Lake George and contaminants from the shore threaten the Lake’s health. This is the fifth year for the S.A.V.E. the Lake Festival, which has undergone a few name changes over the years since its 2013 launch as Festival for the Lake. Over the past two years, according to Blais, the festival has raised more than $15,000 to help protect the water quality of Lake George.

Eight bands will perform throughout the weekend bringing a diversity of music genres to the stage including classic rock, soul, pop, funk, country and big band jazz.

Lake George S.A.V.E. the Lake Festival schedule:

Friday, August 4

• 6 p.m. — Sirsy
• 7:30 p.m. — Grand Central Station

Saturday, August 5

• 12:30 p.m. — The Adirondack Jazz Project
• 2:30 p.m. — Dashboard Anthem
• 5 p.m. — Funk Evolution
• 7:30 p.m. — Chicago Total Access

Sunday, August 6

• 12:30 p.m. — Stony Creek Band
• 2:30 p.m. — The Refrigerators