HUDSON – RiverFest, a “Party with a Purpose,” is off to a good start with Wednesday’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 23, for the concert with the St. Croix Valley Community Band. 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.

Friday, July 24 starts with Let’s Go Paddling at the Willow River State Park Boat Launch at 10 a.m. The library will host a program on Introduction to Microplastics at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m. there is the Street Water Show at the Lakefront Park Bandshell. The free family-friendly movie “Zootopia 2” will start at dusk at the Lakefront Park Bandshell. Bring a picnic blanket and watch the movie under the stars. Pre-movie kid-friendly fun and games will be provided by Hudson Area Public Library.

RiverFest wraps up on Saturday, July 25 with the Native American Cultural Celebration at the Lakefront Park Bandshell. The program begins at 1 p.m. and will be hosted by Rosetta “Rosie” Peters. A focus on Dakota culture includes the Imnizaska Drum Group, Zach Red Bear and the Twin Cities Inter Tribal Dance Group. From 2:30-4 p.m. the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin will perform with pow-wow dancing, singing, drums and storytelling. The drum group will be Native Boyz, the head male dancer will be Brandon Geshick and head female dancer will be Jackie Mallory. Other Saturday activities include pow-wow food for sale, Native American arts, crafts and Indigenous books for sale, Northstar Bison samples and products and a Belwin Conservancy display. 

Other Native American features during RiverFest includes St. Croix Baking Company’s special on cranberry wild rice sourdough bread. The Black Rooster Bistro will feature an indigenous based menu featuring bison, and Lucky Guys Distillery will offer a complimentary tasting of their Black Walnut Liqueur. Season's Gallery will feature greeting cards for sale that are Native American made.

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

Submitted by Jacki Bradham