More than 30 years ago, the Huron River Day celebration began as a way to encourage partnerships among government, private and non-profit organizations and to educate citizens about the importance of water quality and Huron River preservation. Each year, this event draws approximately 2,500 people from the Ann Arbor community to celebrate the Huron River.
On Sunday, July 9, from noon-4 p.m. there will be free, family-friendly river activities during the Huron River Day celebration at Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Road in Ann Arbor.
Participants can paddle a boat with $5 canoe and kayak rentals (reg. $18-$20), try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), listen to live music, watch a performance by the Aviary Circus, and eat local food — all while learning about the Huron River. River-themed activities will include a demonstration that shows how streams work, a river-themed art exhibit, fishing, dipping for river critters with the Huron River Watershed Council, live animals from the Leslie Science & Nature Center, a butterfly house from the Michigan Native Butterfly Farm and the annual Enviro-Challenge with prizes for youth.
Huron River Day musical entertainment includes local Ann Arbor musician Charlie Reischl with teens from the Neutral Zone, Steve Somers and Friends and Hullabaloo. Local food vendors will include Shimmy Shack, EJ’s Gourmet Street Cuisine and Pilar’s Tamales.
Parking is available, but participants are encouraged to ride their bikes to Gallup Park. For those who do arrive on bike, boat rental will be free of charge.
Washtenaw County’s Parker Mill County Park will also be offering tours of the historic Pioneer Grist Mill.
For more details about the upcoming Huron River Day celebration at Gallup Park, please visit: www.a2gov.org/hrd or call call 734-794-6240.
The Huron River Day Celebration is sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation. Additional support is provided by Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, the City of Ann Arbor, the Huron River Watershed Council and the Washtenaw Stormwater Advisory Group.