CHESAPEAKE - The Symmes Creek Restoration Committee has been working hard to preserve and restore the waterway since 1977 - and they are not about to stop now.

On Saturday, the group continues its efforts with a benefit concert.

Nashville recording artist and Lawrence County native Howie Damron will perform Saturday evening on the banks of Symmes Creek at the Chesapeake Boat Ramp. The free concert will benefit the committee and its continued efforts to restore and maintain the area.

"Our overall emphasis has been to try to improve the Symmes Creek watershed," SCRC secretary Ray Taylor said. "This effort now is something to draw people to Symmes Creek and show what Symmes Creek can provide."

Taylor said the committee is attempting to create a canoe trail from Waterloo to the Ohio River that will have various points along the creek where people can take their canoes out and camp, so they can make an overnight trip down the creek.

The SCRC was formed in 1977 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to protect the waterway. The 70-mile creek flows through Jackson, Gallia and Lawrence counties, and touches several small communities such as Waterloo, Arabia, Aid, Cadmus and Gage.

The committee is a non-profit organization that receives its operating monies from local donations, grants and other events.

"Our first effort was to rejuvenate the Chesapeake Boat Ramp," Taylor said.

The event is free but donations will go to maintain the present boat ramp and set up other points along the creek.

"All the money we collect goes towards trying to protect and benefit Symmes Creek," Taylor said.

The concert starts at 6 p.m. at the Chesapeake Boat Ramp. Concert goers should bring lawn chairs. Access to the boat ramp is via the connecting interchange circle from Chesapeake to U.S. 52. Just before completing the circle, take County Road 123.

For more information, call (740) 643-0522 or (740) 643-1002.