Date: May 21, 2013
Contact: Robin Snyder, 304-640-0724
Glen Jean, West Virginia, May 13, 2013- Do you want to take a field trip and explore Wolf Creek while you are in it catching critters? Or perhaps you would rather march in a puppet parade to celebrate the New River? You can participate in these activities and more at the New River Festival June 7 - 9, 2013, sponsored by the New River Clean Water Alliance. Join us for the Saturday activities that allow the younger members of your family to learn how to care for the New River. The festival location is the Old Rivers Campground which is now the ACE Gear Shop, located off of Route 19 in Fayetteville.
The Saturday events kick off with an early afternoon field trip of a Stream Stomp and photography workshop for kids. Youth participants will catch critters in the stream and determine the quality of the water by what they catch. They will also become photographers, as they take pictures of the river and the gorge. Register now, as space is limited at http://newriverfestival.com/event/new-river-festival-trips-and-clinic-registration. Festival events begin at 4:00 PM and feature a variety of exhibits from local watershed organizations that will provide activities for kids that teach them about how they can keep the watershed clean. Both younger and older "river kids" will be provided educational passport with the name of each participating booth, where they can complete activities and earn a prize for their participation. Bill Lepp, a nationally recognized storyteller and comedian will serve as the MC for the evening festivities that will kick off at 4:00 PM, including music with the New River Children's Symphony followed by the puppet parade. You do not want to miss the puppet parade and this opportunity to transform into creatures and elements of the New River ecosystem while marching the festival grounds!
Community members, visitors and families are invited to participate in the wide variety of activities scheduled throughout the weekend. Join the New River Clean Water Alliance and for the 2nd Annual New River Festival to celebrate the New River and efforts to keep it clean. This event is possible thanks to the support of sponsors including ACE Adventure Center, Active Recovery Physical Therapy, Coke, Mountain Rafts, Bridge Brew Works, Virgin Timber Lumber Co., Pies & Pints, Pro River Outfitters, Fayetteville Arts Coalition, Klean Kanteen, and Star Inflatables.
Visit the website at www.NewRiverFestival.com for a complete listing of ticket prices and camping packages. From Beckley, take Hwy 19 to Fayetteville. Go through the light at Court Street (Hwy 16) and take your next left onto Fayette Station Road (County Route 82). From Summersville, take a right onto Fayette Station Road, just after you cross the New River Gorge Bridge. See you there!
About the New River Clean Water Alliance
The New River Clean Water Alliance, formed in 2009, is a partnership dedicated to promoting clean water and community efforts in the New River and its tributaries in Fayette, Summers, and Raleigh Counties. The following organizations have representatives in the Alliance: Piney Creek Watershed Association, National Park Service, Plateau Action Network, and Development, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, West Virginia Professional River Outfitters Association, National Committee for the New River, and National Parks Conservation Association.
