The Mount LeConte Jug Band, top, and Bill Landry, right, are the featured entertainers Friday at the Tennessee Valley Theatre. Their program is part of the fifth annual Lake Fest and River Rally on Watts Bar Lake.

Bill Landry

Organizers of the fifth annual Lake Fest and River Rally in Spring City, Tenn., have three more days and three more ways to support their cause.

The first event in the series of fundraisers, a golf tournament, was held Wednesday. Still to come are an open house at Safe Haven Light, an evening of music and storytelling, and a poker run that involves classic cars, motorcycles and boats.

Proceeds go to Safe Haven Light, a respite home providing short-term shelter to homeless children in Rhea County. Administrators at We Care Community Services, which operates the shelter, say state reimbursements cover about half of its operating expenses.

• Today, Aug. 29: Tours of Safe Haven Light, 540 Cemetery Road, 4-7 p.m.

Visitors will learn about the shelter's programs and the vision for its future. Admission is free.

• Friday, Aug. 30: "An Evening of Music and Stories With Bill Landry," Tennessee Valley Theatre, 184 W. Jackson Ave., Spring City, 7 p.m.

The Emmy Award-winning host of the "Heartland" PBS television series will entertain with stories about the history and colorful characters of his native East Tennessee. He'll be joined onstage by the Mount LeConte Jug Band, performing bluegrass and country favorites. Tickets are $17. To reserve, call 423-365-7529 or visit www.tennesseevalleytheatre.com.

• Saturday, Aug. 31: Watts Bar River Rally, eight participating marinas, shotgun start at 9 a.m.

The fundraiser's namesake event offers an aquatic twist on a poker run, though participants are welcome to navigate not only boats but motorcycles or classic cars. The goal is to visit five of the eight participating marinas within five hours, at each stop retrieving an envelope containing an oversize playing card. These five cards make up a poker hand. Those holding the five best hands at day's end will be awarded prizes.

The participating marinas stretch from Spring City Marina on the south to Caney Creek Marina to the north, rounded out by Euchee, Eden, Terrace View, Arrowhead, Lakeside and Blue Springs marinas.

For those taking part by car or bike, the lake loop includes New Lake Road, Highway 68, Highway 304, Highway 70, Highway 27 and Rocky Springs/Euchee Chapel Road.

All competitors must report back to Lakeside Resort at 2 p.m. to turn in their hands. Prizes will be awarded and refreshments served into the evening.

Cost to register is $50 per hand, which also pays for a commemorative T-shirt and admission to the post-run party, Lake Fest. The registration meeting will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Spring City Municipal Building, 229 Front St., preceding the Landry show. Participants will be required to show proof of vehicle registration and insurance.

For more information, call Gary Venice at 423-365-2577, email gary@etwaterfront.com or visit SafeHavenLight.com.