Speakers | Rotary Club of Big Canoe

Speakers & Programs

Sheriff Craig will present the latest updates regarding this year’s Sheriff’s JeepFest. JeepFest is an annual three-day gathering featuring a variety of Jeep® obstacle courses, trail rides, mud challenges, live concerts, rides, food, and more. The event attracts Jeep enthusiasts from across the United States and serves as a fundraiser supporting charities dedicated to caring for children within our community.

Join us on August 14th at The Canoe Lodge and under the Big White Tent next to the beach. Don Rolader, an esteemed deejay and noted authority on Beach Music—also known as Shagman—will be presenting a very informative program on the history of Shag and Beach Music. The meeting will begin at 5:30pm. A BBQ dinner will be provided by the Rotary Club of Big Canoe and will conclude at 6:30pm. Following the meeting dance instructions will be given and Don will continue to spin the records and lead the beach music party until around 8pm.

Steve Hayden, Director of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, will share the history of the Trail and everything associated with maintaining this treasure just outside our gates. The Benton MacKaye Trail or BMT is a footpath nearly 300 miles in length in the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States and is blazed by a white diamond, 5″ across by 7″ tall. The hiking trail is named for Benton MacKaye, the Massachusetts forester and regional planner who first had the idea for the Appalachian Trail in 1921. Liz Scherer, co-chair of the Big Canoe Trail’s Committee, will also speak a few minutes about the Big Canoe Trails. The meeting will provide valuable information, particularly for those interested in hiking. It will take place at The Village Station, with a social time commencing at 5:00 p.m., followed by the program at 5:30 p.m.