ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- It's an East Tennessee Fourth of July family tradition: Boat and raft races, good food, fun, and fireworks.

In Roane County, "Smokin' the Water" is the big Fourth of July blowout.

This year, however, there's big concern about whether the combined effects of a tough economy and last year's fly ash spill will keep people away.

When the ash slide happened, event organizers mmediately started tow worry about the impact it would have.

The event draws 24,000 to 27,000 people. Organizers say those participating are supporting it, and they're keeping their fingers crossed that the public will, too.

Kingston City pool lifeguard Jonathan Rogers is used to very clean water. But will last year's Smokin' The Water raft race winner be concerned about getting into the lake following December's Kingston plant ash slide?

Rogers says, "No. I don't have any problems. I know the EPA is watching our back and making sure the water is safe to swim in this Fourth."

Organizers of the July 4th event are hoping for a good turnout.
Kingston Parks and Rec director Rick Ross says they have more entries this year for the raft race and the drag race.

Ross says, "If they're going to travel from all the way from Wisconsin to come race, they must have quite a bit of confidence this lake is worth being in."

But the Clinch River in Kingston is feeling the impact from boaters.

Terry Suddath says, "I plan on going a pretty good ways downriver. I especially don't plan on heading back toward the steam plant."

And some springtime fishing events.

Ross says, "One of our biggest impacts, some of our fishing tournaments were discouraged from coming. There were fears about the fish population and things like that."

So will there be an impact in attendance this year? TVA donated 10,000 dollars today toward the event's nearly 30,000 dollar fireworks show.
Ross hopes people will put away the bad perceptions and come out. But he knows the answer will come Saturday.

Ross says, "TVA has worked closely with us. We've worked very closely with them. We want to highlight business that's open and we're ready for recreation here in Kingston."

Ross says the EPA did test of the water there recently, and they've got the "all clear."