RIVERS -- The Snake River Family Festival, with free food, family activities, music and information booths on the importance of dams to the region, will be presented 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at Boyer Park and Marina.

The family-friendly event is sponsored by some wheat growers from Washington, Idaho and Oregon along with local port districts and other river partners. The festival will "highlight the multi-purpose Columbia/Snake River System’s contributions to the region’s economy and quality of life," organizers say.  Spokane singer Nicole Lewis and her band will provide entertainment.

An information tent with area experts available for discussion regarding Columbia/Snake River Dams, salmon, river transportation and energy will be on site along with exhibitors including an interactive salmon display, farm machinery, barge and tug boat displays and more, said Rob Rich from Shaver Transportation, one of the festival partners.

A drawing will be held for a Hells Canyon jet boat tour for four.

"Wheat growers from Washington, Idaho and Oregon along with local port districts and other river partners created this event to educate the public on the importance of the river system to fish, the Northwest economy and recreationalists," organizers say in a release. "Alongside the fun activities, event organizers will educate and share information about the river system’s contributions to the local economy, agriculture, clean energy and salmon population."

Facts about the Columbia/Snake River System from festival organizers:

•  The Columbia/Snake River system is the No. 1 wheat export gateway in the country.
• In 2014, over 4.3 million tons of cargo were barged on the Snake River.  It would have taken 43,000 rail cars or 167,000 semi-trucks to carry this cargo.
• River navigation provided by the four Snake River locks and dams connects Idaho, Oregon and Washington farmers with access to global markets.
• The Snake River dams produce enough clean energy to power a city the size of Seattle each year.
• The region’s salmon recovery efforts include improved hatcheries, expanded habitats and making dams safer for fish.

Info: (509) 397.3791.