Day of River Appreciation Marks 40 Years at River Forks Park
Umpqua Watersheds will celebrate the 40th Annual Day of River Appreciation on July 18 at River Forks Park. The free festival will include live music, food, family activities, art and environmental education.
ROSEBURG, Ore. - A longstanding Douglas County tradition will return to River Forks Park this month as Umpqua Watersheds hosts the 40th Annual Day of River Appreciation.
The free festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the park west of Roseburg, where the North and South Umpqua rivers meet.
Organizers are planning a full day of music, food, art, educational exhibits and activities for families. Conservation groups, public agencies, recreation organizations and other community partners are also expected to participate.
Event information
- Date: Saturday, July 18
- Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Location: River Forks Park
- Admission: Free
The celebration focuses on the importance of the Umpqua River system and the role it has played in the region’s culture, economy and recreation.
The confluence at River Forks Park has served as a gathering place for generations. Indigenous people historically relied on the rivers for food, transportation, trade and cultural practices. Today, the park continues to bring residents together for outdoor recreation and community events.
A tradition born from concern for the river
According to Umpqua Watersheds, the annual event traces its beginnings to community concerns about the South Umpqua River during the late 1980s.
Power outages at Roseburg’s wastewater treatment facility reportedly led to untreated sewage entering the river because the facility did not yet have an emergency backup power system. Local residents and conservation advocates pushed for improvements to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Community members later organized the first River Appreciation Day at River Forks Park, creating an event centered on education, environmental responsibility and appreciation for the area’s waterways.
Oregon formally recognized River Appreciation Day in 1989. The local festival has continued to grow over the decades and now brings together environmental groups, artists, educators, businesses and families from across the region.
Organizations, nonprofit groups and agencies may participate by hosting educational or interactive booths during the event.
Vendor and booth information is available by contacting Julie Lowe at julie@umpquarivers.org or 541-672-7065.
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