The annual White Lake Trash Bash brought well over 100 people to the Chamber & Visitor's Bureau building to help clean up the area, but there was one big quest in particular that occupied a lot of attention - and produced a big reward.
The Gnarly Heifer restaurant set up its Bullpen next door to the Chamber building, selling burgers to those who built up an appetite, and offered a free burger to anyone who could fetch a 55-gallon drum that was stuck in the lake and get it out.
According to a Heifer Facebook post, a man named Josh took on the challenge after seeing the sign. He snapped up a kayak - WaterDog Outfitters provided free rentals to anyone who was using the opportunity to clean up the lake - and set to work. After a while, it became clear Josh would need some help, and he called upon three nearby Whitehall High School students, who hopped in the water and provided the necessary aid to get the drum out. All four intrepid souls were awarded burgers.
Two volunteers search for trash to remove from the walking bridge separating Whitehall and Montague during Sunday's White Lake Trash Bash.
The Chamber, in its own Facebook post, stated that this year's Bash featured team captains in order to keep things running efficiently. Headed up by Greg Hillebrand of The Lewis House Bed and Breakfast in Whitehall, the team of captains, said the Chamber, "helped us make it happen and we are so grateful for their help."
In addition to WaterDog and the Gnarly Heifer, several other local businesses contributed to the Bash's success. Jimmy'z Pub served as a trash disposal site, Knight Transfer and Walmart provided trash bags and disposal options, and Consumers Energy was an event sponsor.
