Now that spring is finally in full bloom, it’s time to head on down to the banks of the Haw River in Bynum, where this Saturday, the Haw River Assembly will host the 19th annual Haw River Festival.
Cynthia Crossen, the Haw River Assembly’s River Watch coordinator, said she hopes the festival, a fundraiser for the Haw River Assembly, will bring folks from all over the watershed area.
“It’s the best kind of fundraising, which is just fun, educational and outreach for the work that we do,†Crossen said. “I hope people that come will get to know us a little bit and want to join the Haw River Assembly.â€
Even if it rains, the festival will continue, she said. Last year, people celebrated under the Bynum Bridge during the rain.
“We’re expecting a good crowd,†Crossen said, adding that the festival will offer a wide swath of activities.
Festival goers can take a walk down the trails that wind along the banks of the Haw River, help river watchers check the health of the water or kick back and take in the surroundings while listening to live music.
Local musicians will perform throughou the festival, from 1 to 6 p.m.
In addition, Crossen will lead a river-monitoring demonstration from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in which participants can learn how to check water health by looking for different river critters. Both children and adults are encouraged to take part in the demonstration.
Assembly members will also provide free canoe rides for kids 13 and under, while parents can participate in a $1 canoe raffle, bid on sunflower paintings by nationally known folk artist Clyde Jones or buy native streambank and wetland plants to support the Haw River Assembly.
To increase awareness of environmental issues surrounding the river and watershed area, environmental and community organizations will host booths at the festival to provide information to festival participants.
Crossen encourages people of all ages to come down to the festival.
“It’s a wonderful festival, very community-oriented and friendly,†Crossen said.
The festival will be held on the banks of the Haw River off Bynum Road.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children under 14 and free for babies.
To volunteer at the festival, call 542-5790 or email info@hawriver.org. For more information or directions visit hawriver.org.