Riverfest 2003

Saturday May 24th in the Village of Norval
by Gini Dalgas

Come, join the community of Norval and celebrate life on the Credit River at the 5th Annual Riverfest.

Riverfest was started in 1999 by a small group of people from the Village of Norval who thought it was important to take some time to celebrate this beautiful river that historically has helped the villages in the Credit Valley Watershed. Industry, transportation, and recreation have all been made possible by the waters running in the Credit River. Since the first Riverfest five years ago, local individuals and groups have joined together to create this daylong celebration. Riverfest is about community, nature, friendship, family, healthy living and having fun! Please come join us for Riverfest 2003.

There will be lots to do all day for the whole family, beginning with a pancake breakfast. Then, avid hikers will want to join Hiker Mike on his annual morning hike along the Credit Valley Footpath with the Bruce Trail Association. If a shorter walk is what your after, take a tour through the village of Norval on your way to watch the Cold Water Rescue near the Canoe Country Outdoor Shop, another worthwhile stop. Back at Norval Park there will still be plenty of time to listen to music, grab something to eat at the bar-b-q, make new discoveries about life and living on Credit River at Willow Park's nature activity centers, experiment with water, learn how to fly fish and how to make a fish fly, and shop at the Riverside Vendor's Market.

You won't want to miss the annual Paddle to the Sea Race - tiny paddlers, decorated by festival-goers, race down a stretch of Silver Creek in miniature canoes. Participants write a message about how the river is important to them and how they plan to help care for it. The winner's boat and message will be sent off on a Paddle to the Sea as Riverfest 2003's Official Ambassador for Waterway Protection. Prizes awarded to top three finishers. This year participants take part in a Paddle Quest leading them to the Paddle to the Sea Race.

Riverfest traditionally falls on the same day as the Norval United Churches Annual Chicken Bar-b-q, a great way to finish off. Good food and good entertainment put on by a great group of people. It's well worth the short trip downstream to Huttonville where the bar-b-q begins at 5 p.m. Call Norval United Church for more information.

For more information about Riverfest 2003, check out the
website www.canoe-country.com or 905 877 3883.

Hope to see you there!