Mayor Rusty Knox, center, proclaimed July 22 Big Day at the Lake. With him are BDATL committee members Eric Dana, Shelley Mahl, Angela Swett and Kalishia Mitchell, with Big Brothers Big Sisters and her daughter

June 23. The mayors of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville have proclaimed July 22 “Big Day at the Lake” during Town Board meetings in June.

It’s been 19 years since Big Day at the Lake was first launched with the goal of providing a full day of fun for hundreds of at-risk kids in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas.

Over the years literally thousands of kids have experienced the lake, thanks to a similar number of volunteers and Boat Hosts.

Mayor Washam, foreground, with members of the Big Day at the Lake committee

Big Day at the Lake has three goals:

—Provide a full day of fun on Lake Norman for kids in Big Brothers Big Sisters

—Recruit mentors aka Bigs for BBBSCC

—Raise money for a well-run organization for children

More than $140,000 has been raised so far this year, according to BDATL finance chair Jim Duke.

More than 400 Bigs, Littles, Boat Hosts and volunteers are expected Saturday July 22 for a day of boating, tubing, lakeside activities, food and fellowship. The BBBS mentors or Bigs serve as built-in chaperones for the children, also known as Littles.

To volunteer or register as a Boat Host, go to www.bigdayatthelake.com