The stories have accumulated over the past 20 years, with many reminiscing about who surfaced with the best “treasure.”

Such was the case last Saturday during the Prior Lake Association’s annual “Dive the Lake” event. While its primary role has always been to collect trash from the depths of the lake, this year was no different than others from the past as anchors, ropes, beer cans, fishing poles, a snowmobile windshield and other litter lined the parking lot at Knotty Oar Marina.

Twenty-three divers showed up to volunteer at the event, along with eight boats and drivers, 16 deck hands and other safety personnel, according to Ron Hoffmeyer, president of the Prior Lake Association.

“Many hours go into the coordination of this event each year,” Hoffmeyer said. “It’s time-consuming, but everyone who participates knows it’s for a good cause.”

This year’s “dive” went smoothly, due in part to Saturday’s sunny weather with moderate temperatures. Those who signed up to help showed up, so the project was completed in three hours. He credits Steve Reinders and Kyle Arndt, also members of the association, with a doing great job of organizing divers, boats, scheduling and buoy placements.

Hoffmeyer said there were no great surprises pulled from Prior Lake this year, other than a huge duck boat. Several hundred other items were brought to the surface. There were few cell phones because most get buried in the muck once they hit the lake’s bottom. Many sun glasses were retrieved, but most were damaged beyond use due to the lenses being scratched by the sand in the water.

Of the more unusual items that have been brought to the surface during past dives, Hoffmeyer said a snowmobile was recovered several years ago near the channel that runs below the Wagon Bridge. Someone cleaned it up and actually got it running. He pulled up a full hockey net several years ago that proved to be exceptionally heavy due to the hundreds of zebra mussels that attached to the structure. A few unopened bottles of liquor have been retrieved and added to the collection of oddities.

While lawn chairs, dock parts, lift pieces, miscellaneous tools and fishing tackle are regular items brought up each year, one of the best finds, he said, was made just this year when a diver brought to the surface a commemorative beer can that was nearly 50 years old, made in 1976 honoring the USA’s 200th birthday.

Hoffmeyer said that while the association coordinates the annual dive, it could not be done without volunteer divers, those who show up with their

boat and safety personnel who ensure all who go in the water come out safely. Owners of Knotty Oar Marina and Charlie’s on the Lake provide great support each year, and the Prior Lake Rotary Club helped fund this year’s event. Thanks was also extended to Buckingham Disposal for picking up what was removed from the lake and The Diver’s World out of Lakeville.

“Few would argue that our lake is one of the best amenities within our community,” Hoffmeyer said. “Members of our association are glad to help in keeping it safe and clean for everyone who uses and enjoys it.”

Photos provided by the Prior Lake Association