On September 21st, communities across the state of Illinois will be coming together to celebrate our rivers and watersheds through education, conservation, and recreational activities. “It’s Our River Day” is an initiative started in 2004 by former Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois River Coordinating Council to create awareness and appreciation of our waterways.
Near the confluence of the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers, organizers of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival welcome you to celebrate the 9th Annual “It’s Our River Day” at the Alton Amphitheater on the banks of the Mississippi in Alton, Illinois. Organizers of this free and family-friendly event will be offering numerous ways in which to celebrate our rivers through art, music, and conservation.
The day will get off to a great start with a river clean-up at 9am. The festival kicks off at 12pm. A variety of eclectic music will fill the air through the day as festival goers enjoy the many opportunities to learn about conservation, browse the earth-friendly vendors, and delight in the variety of local food offerings available. A kid’s village will host nature and conservation-related activities and a variety of art competitions will available to the grown-ups with a creative inclination.
This year Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will make a special appearance at the festival. We hear she will even be bringing her banjo and joining the band, Stone Sugar Shakedown for a song on the big stage!
Of course 1 Mississippi will be there signing up River Citizens, so be sure to stop by and say Hi!
Saturday is going to be a great day for celebrating the river…come out and join us!
Click here for more information about the festival and opportunities.