River Clean-Up Set

Spokane Riverfest

A fun festival geared to ridding trash from the shores of the Spokane River is set for Aug. 28.

“The more volunteers the better,” said Sherry Rockser, coordinator of the event for the Northwest Whitewater Association.

“But we want all volunteers to register at High Bridge Park at 9 a.m. so they qualify for the free T-shirts and the barbecue we’ll have, not to mention the tons of door prizes donated by the community.”

Although past Riverfest events have worked on other stretches of the river, this year’s crews will focus from Maple Street to Seven Mile Road.

“That’s where most of the trash is concentrated,” Rockser said. “It’s the stretch that needs the most help.”

The work has surprised past volunteers, who have found items ranging from animal skulls and bras to washing machines and watches.

Families, church and social groups and businesses are encouraged to participate, she said. At the High Bridge Park staging area, groups will be routed to different areas to work on the shoreline until 2 p.m.

NWA members also will use rafts to collect trash from the shoreline.

Top corporate supporters this year include Metropolitan Mortgage and Avista. “We’re still looking for more business support,” Rockser said.

“The Spokane River is a treasure we often take for granted. This is a good chance to give a little back to something that means so much to all of us.”

For information on volunteering, being a sponsor or organizing a Riverfest cleanup group, contact Rockser at 466-7166 or by e-mail at sriverfest@aol.com.