Local Groups Host 'Paddle and Boogie' Protest Against Nuclear Weapons

Event aims to raise awareness about plutonium pit production and radiation risks at Savannah River Site.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:00pm

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A coalition of local groups in the Augusta, Georgia area is hosting a day-long 'Paddle and Boogie to Stop the Bomb' event on the Augusta Canal next to the Savannah River. The event will feature a 5.5-mile morning paddle from Savannah Rapids Park to Mill Village Trailhead, followed by an afternoon of live music, educational activities, and advocacy against the production of plutonium pits for nuclear weapons and the radiation contamination risks of the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site.

Why it matters

The Savannah River Site has been a major producer of plutonium pits, a key component of nuclear weapons, for decades. Local activists are concerned about the environmental and public health impacts of this production and are using the 'Paddle and Boogie' event to raise awareness and advocate for changes ahead of upcoming public hearings.

The details

Participants can bring their own kayaks or rent them at a discounted rate from Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental. Life jackets must be worn at all times. After the paddle, the 'Boogie to Stop the Bomb' event will feature live music, educational information, and other fun activities.

  • The 'Paddle and Boogie to Stop the Bomb' event will take place on March 28, 2026.

The players

Savannah Rapids Park

The starting point for the morning paddle portion of the 'Paddle and Boogie to Stop the Bomb' event.

Department of Energy's Savannah River Site

A major production site for plutonium pits, a key component of nuclear weapons, that local activists are concerned about due to radiation contamination risks.

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What’s next

Upcoming public hearings and comment periods related to the Savannah River Site's operations are expected to take place in the near future.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the local community's concerns about the environmental and public health impacts of nuclear weapons production and their efforts to advocate for change through grassroots activism.