6th Annual Riverfest - Saturday, May 30, 2009

 
The Chamber of Commerce, Windham Region along with the Willimantic Whitewater Partnership will present their 6th annual Riverfest Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. featuring a day full of fun for the whole family. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the Willimantic River as a vital natural and economic resource. The goal of the event is to remind Eastern Connecticut that the river is an integral part of the communities along its shores. The event also hopes to educate the future caregivers of the Willimantic River about conservation techniques and the natural wonders of the river.
    
This year’s event will include the “Willimantic Rootbeer Float” which is a casual float down the Willimantic River taking in all the beauty of the river and the properties along its shores. Participants can float down the river in any floatation device they prefer including boats, kayaks and canoes.  The fee for the ride is $5 which includes a glass of rootbeer, insurance provided by the American Canoe Association and bus ride from the finish in Willimantic back to the starting point at Eagleville Dam in Coventry.
   
At the end of the float, participants will be dropped off at the “River Festival” which will include music, food, environmental displays and activities. There is no fee to attend the festival but some of the activities will include admission fees.  Event participants will also be able to take advantage of Riverfest themed specials that will include family activities, discount coupons and special purchases.
   
The WWP will also be hosting a membership drive and a "Fill-A-Kayak" with food  event at our station.  We hope to recruit 50 new members this weekend.  We're offering a new discounted student or limited income membership rate for only $10!  If you've been debating joining, here's your chance!  In addition, we're hoping to collect food donations for the local food kitchen.  Please swing by and considering joining WWP or dropping off a canned or nonperishable food donation! 
      
Sponsors for this event are still being accepted.  The event planning committee is looking for sponsors in the following categories:
·         River Friend - $100
·         Rainbow Trout Sponsor - $250
·         Big Bass Sponsor - $500
  
If you are interested in serving as an event sponsor please contact:

• Willimantic Whitewater Partnership - (860) 617-8287 or willimanticwhitewater@charter.net
• Windham Region Chamber of Commerce - (860) 423-6389 or diane@windhamchamber.com
    

 
Don't forget to mention that you learned about the event from the Willimantic Whitewater Partnership's website!   Please join us in celebrating the Willimantic River’s recreational assets as well as its beauty!  For more information you can also visit the Windham Chamber of Commerce’s Website. 
  
 
WWP annual membership is also available for a modest fee.   (New annual membership does not include recognition at the upcoming Riverfest event, however.)  Contact us at willimanticwhitewater@charter.com if you are interested in obtaining an annual membership.