Story Category: Environment »

On Saturday, Sept. 25 visitors converged on Historic St. Mary's City for the annual Riverfest, a celebration of the St. Mary's River. Volunteers from sponsoring St. Mary's River Watershed Association said a tremendous number of people attended this year's event, which offered a bevy of information on environmental issues.

Visitors enjoyed exhibits on alternative energy, bay-wise gardening, land preservation, oyster restoration, water and boating safety and recycling. Hands-on touch tanks and bird displays brought attendees face-to-face with the creatures who share their habitat.

Booths offered unique jewelry and bags, eco-friendly yard decor, wood crafts, art and environmental education books. Kids found fun with balloon animals, elaborate face painting and a chance to decorate their very own little pumpkin. The Mutts Gone Nuts show along with a variety of musical and dance performances provided entertainment on the warm afternoon.

Food, drinks and treats kept festival-goers refreshed as they enjoyed the activities and learned more about the conservation efforts they could make in their own backyards.

Around 2 p.m., visitors crowded the waterfront to hear overall-clad former Senator Bernie Fowler's remarks before the annual Wade-In.

Fowler exclaimed, "For the first time in many years, I see a little light coming through the tunnel!" He added encouragement to keep the clean up of the rivers and the Bay going, saying, "Be patient, it will take a long time, but never give up!"

Fowler was joined by SMRWA representatives, Delgate John Bohanan, Senator Roy Dyson, St. Mary's Commissioner President Jack Russell and a crowd of concerned citizens who waded in hand-in-hand up to their chest, still able to see their feet.

To learn more about local efforts to keep the St. Mary's River clean, click here and be sure to attend Riverfest next year.

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