Festival highlights recreation on, by river
Outdoor enthusiasts from throughout the area gathered at one of Spokane’s lesser-known parks Saturday to celebrate a natural treasure that too many have taken for granted.
Everyone knows a river runs through Spokane, but not everyone knows about all the recreational opportunities in and around the Spokane River.
On Saturday, people learned the significance of the Spokane River and all its offerings during RiverFest, an all-day event at High Bridge Park designed to raise awareness and appreciation of the Spokane River. Organizers also planned RiverFest to gain support for the Great Spokane River Gorge Project, which would restore natural areas and create a whitewater park.
“It’s a way for people to learn more about the river and what we have here in Spokane,” said Melanie Johnson, one of the organizers and a member of the Spokane Bicycle Club. “People are excited.”
A cross-section of the community – from environmentalists and business people to outdoor and fitness fanatics and members of the local Indian tribes – gathered beneath the tall, shady trees of High Bridge Park on Saturday.
Many walked from downtown Spokane or took the bus. At least 100 people rode their bicycles. The event drew about 1,000 people throughout the day.
RiverFest began with a program that included a blessing from a member of the Spokane Tribe as well as statements from legislators and other local officials. Throughout the day, people took hikes along nearby trails or went on a self-guided tour of the proposed Gorge project, which would include the stretch of river downstream from Spokane Falls to the confluence of Hangman Creek. Others signed up for hour-long fly-fishing lessons or volunteered to pull knapweed and participate in trail restoration.
Many also spent the day listening to live music and gathering information at several booths that featured information on outdoor gear, environmental issues and plans to improve the area.
Shannon Hill and Jaimie Norisada, two sophomores from Lewis and Clark High School’s Sierra Student Coalition, used the opportunity to promote the benefits of phosphorus-free dishwasher detergent.
The students, who put together a display complete with statistics and graphics, explained how the use of detergents that contain phosphorus leads to rapid algae growth in the Spokane River.
The algae ends up using all the oxygen in the water that fish need to stay alive, according to their fliers. The girls also handed out free sample boxes of Seventh Generation detergent, which does not contain phosphorus.
“It’s fun to be part of this,” said Hill, describing her involvement with the Sierra Student Coalition. “I like to help, and it feels good to know that you’re helping the environment.”
David Bauermeister, one of the founders of the Inland Northwest Trails Coalition, said organizers were pleased with the turnout and plan to make RiverFest an annual tradition.