All hands on deck; Spamtown Belle launches for season

Published 11:05 am Monday, May 9, 2016

Spamtown Belle pilot Dick Nordin, center, and others work to get the the paddlewheel boat off a trailer an into East Side Lake Monday morning.  Photos by Jason Schoonover/jason.schoonover@austindailyherald.com

Spamtown Belle pilot Dick Nordin, center, and others work to get the the paddlewheel boat off a trailer an into East Side Lake Monday morning. — Photos by Jason Schoonover/jason.schoonover@austindailyherald.com

The Spamtown Belle is back on East Side Lake.

Austin’s mini stern paddle wheel boat was put in the lake Monday morning and is set for its maiden voyage of the season.

Spamtown Belle rides will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, but people can charter the boat for events anytime during the week.

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Instead of charging fees this year, boat rides will be given a freewill donation. The belle also received financial help from a few community members.

Dick Nordin, one of the boats pilots, said about five or six pilots will give rides on the Spamtown Belle this summer.

Spamtown Belle pilots and others work to get the the paddlewheel boat launched.

Spamtown Belle pilots and others work to get the the paddlewheel boat launched.