SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The original MS Dixie, making its service debut on the waters of Lake Tahoe in 1972, has reached its final stretch before being removed due to current regulations. The Amundson family, long-time stewards of the vessel, are asking for help to come up with $65,000 for the barge’s removal. 

The MS Dixie started as a passenger vessel, hosting locals and tourists for over 20 years. It was then turned into a barge at the family’s expense, and became a fireworks display platform to be used by the community for major holidays such as 4th of July and Labor Day.

James Amundson, the sole proprietor of the MS Dixie, passed away on November 14. The Amundson family, despite being in the midst of grieving, is now responsible for removing the barge due to changing enforcement regulations. 

Stephanie Amundson, one of James’s three children, said, “We’re just taking it day by day, and trying to figure out how to get it done with as much help as we can.”

The money will be used for removing the barge, environmental compliance, transportation, and lastly, the dismantling of the ship. 

“We have to get permits,” said Stephanie, “We have to get cranes to come up and pull it out of the water because we can’t dismantle it in the water due to regulations on the lake.” 

Stephanie and her siblings spent years aboard the MS Dixie, helping her father build piers and boathouses while out on the water, as well as assisting with the annual fireworks shows. 

“We set up all the crates and all the mortars every 4th of July, and when we did the Labor Day show. We were always a part of that.”

Throughout memories of Lake Tahoe in the minds of countless individuals, the MS Dixie was a core element in some pretty special circumstances.

While donating, Brady Hodge wrote on the fundraiser’s page, “Many years ago, late at night, Captain Jim Biller piloting the MS Dixie (full of passengers) rescued me and a charming young lady in the middle of Lake Tahoe in our boat that had run out of gas. He even sent down a couple of steak dinners as we were towed behind the Dixie back to its port at Zephyr Cove.”

The fundraiser currently stands at 11% of its intended goal as of January 29. 

“Everything helps,” Stephanie added. 

To donate to the MS Dixie Barge removal fundraiser, visit https://www.freefunder.com/campaign/ms-dixie-removal-fund, or text (206) 672-7222.