Since 1947, Lake Clarke Rescue has provided water rescue and response from its base along the Susquehanna River in Wrightsville. Now the nonprofit wants to share its mission with the community. Lake Clarke Rescue will hold a 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1838 Long Level Road, Wrightsville.

"We'll have some of our rescue equipment out for people to explore," said Maxine Taglieri, treasurer. "We'll have games for kids at no cost. We'll have a bouncy house, a dunk tank, face painting and chances for kids to guess how much candy is in a jar and win it." Hot dogs and other food will be available for purchase.

The celebration is an opportunity for members of the rescue to share everything the organization does - and potentially recruit new volunteers, Maxine noted. "We have a great crew here, but we're always looking for younger kids to come in and help," she said, adding that training begins in a junior program for high school students. "We want the community to know that we've been here for 75 years, serving and helping. We're always on call, 24 hours a day."

Lake Clarke Rescue provides services on the Susquehanna River, Lake Redman and other creeks and waterways. "We go out and help with flooded roads," Maxine said. "We also do ice rescues. We work with the local fire companies, and we not only do rescue, but we also do recoveries."

Maxine's husband, Charles, was the chief of the rescue for many years. He passed away in 2021, but Maxine continues to volunteer because the organization meant so much to both of them. "He really took this to heart," Maxine said. "Both of us have seen the caring of the people who are involved in the rescue, and both of us were on rescue for years and years. We know that the rescue makes a difference in the community."

She encourages the public to come out to the anniversary celebration and learn more about the rescue's history and importance in the region. "You can come and talk to our chief ... or talk to any of our rescue members, ask questions and learn more about us," she said. "Come out and enjoy the day, play some games, have fun and get to know what we're all about."

For more information about Lake Clarke Rescue, call 717-252-2914.