HUDSON – RiverFest, a “Party with a Purpose” is off to a good start with Tuesday’s River Cleanup. The cleanup is the purpose behind the RiverFest celebration, to build awareness of the St. Croix River and the need to preserve its health and beauty. 

Come down to the river Thursday evening, July 24, for the concert with the St. Croix Valley Community Band, with a variety of uplifting music shared by local musicians. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Hudson Lakefront Park Bandshell, featuring music that celebrates community and the scenic St. Croix River. Stop by for the RiverFest partner display booths before the concert, starting at 6 p.m.

There are several Native American activities planned during RiverFest including Native American Cuisine featured at the St. Croix Baking Company and Black Rooster Bistro from July 23-27. 

On Friday, July 25 there is an Indigenous Art Walk in downtown Hudson. Visit participating locations for Indigenous art, books and crafts, including Thomasina TopBear’s “Generations, The Growth of People” mural at The Phipps Center for the Arts. Visit Birkmose Park Mounds plus History Walk and Native American plaque in Lakefront Park. Season’s Gallery will feature artwork by Turtle Woman Studio. Enjoy Kids’ Storytime at Chapter2 Books at 1 p.m. with Native American authors Roxanne Biidaabinokwe Gould and Kent Estey.

The Phipps Center for the Arts will host two Native American Art events on Saturday, July 26. Join storyteller Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette and make your own dream catcher from 10-11:30 a.m. The class is free. Meet acclaimed birch and bead artist Melissa Niigaaniigaabowikwe Fowler from 10 a.m. to noon.

RiverFest wraps up on Saturday, July 26 with a Native American celebration at the Hudson Bandshell from 1-4 p.m. Gather by the river for a free cultural celebration. See the Ojibwe Pony. There will be Native American food, crafts and books available for purchase. From 1-2:30 p.m. Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette along with Severin Behnen and Kevin Soulier will share stories and flute music with a focus on children’s programming. The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin will perform pow-wow dancing, singing, drums and storytelling from 2:30-4 p.m.

For a complete schedule of events, visit StCroixRiverFest.org or look for St. Croix RiverFest on Facebook.

Submitted by Jacki Bradham