This Saturday, August 6th the annual Friendsville Days Parade will block the usual Maple Avenue access until 1:00 pm. The town park is also closed to paddlers. Boaters wishing to drop a shuttle car in town have two choices. First, from the Friendsville Exit, go south on Route 42 towards Sang Run. Turn left after crossing the high bridge onto 1st Avenue and enter the town south of Maple Street. Park on First Street or major side streets like Chestnut Street or Oak Street. After running the river, walk to your car and drive it to the Maple Street takeout. Please do not park on Morris or Water Streets unless invited by a property owner. Or enjoy the parade, then meet after 1:00 pm on Maple Street and run your shuttle as usual. After the parade there will be all-day festivities at the town park including food, music, crafts, a car show, and fireworks. Drop by after running the river!
Friendsville residents have noticed and appreciate the willingness of paddlers to avoid parking in riverside residential areas as well as their responsible behavior after the releases. But a few lazy holdouts are still parking below the interstate bridges, where they are not welcome! Some of them have apparently defaced signs put out by local residents that carry the AW logo which ask them to park elsewhere. Their handiwork may well be featured in town council meetings! If you know someone who is going this, get them to stop at once!