Willamette Riverfest

 

Description: Create a signature annual event using multiple waterfront venues where residents and visitors take a late-summer weekend to experience, celebrate, and learn about the Willamette River and sustainable approaches to protecting it.

 

 Basis in Vision: Riverfest may be the first organized opportunity for Portlanders to act on the sentiments they recently expressed in VisionPDX, namely that “…a vibrant Willamette River is a hub of community activity”. It will also provide a unique stage for showing how, in Portland, natural resource protection is integrated into every aspect of civic life, and for demonstrating the City’s global leadership in sustainable practices that benefit our streams and rivers.

 

 How does it work? Through River Renaissance, Parks and Recreation, and other bureaus, the City partners with a network of river-related non-profits (including Ecotrust, Willamette Riverkeeper, Oregon Trout, and the Portland Boathouse) to create a lasting tradition where Portlanders not only have a memorably good time, but deepen their connection to, and understanding of, this working river. While Portlanders celebrate many things along the river (from roses to jazz to beer)—there has not yet been an event that recognizes the river itself. Riverfest will salute the environment, history, and economy that the Willamette has bestowed on Portland. Put most simply, Riverfest will be Portland’s chance to celebrate the River, on the River.

 

 Meeting the Criteria:

Investment by City

Public/private partnership

Community involvement / impact

Initial nominal investment in starting years to assist with event design and coordination.

Partner with Portland’s non-profit river community and build bridges to other organizations, as well.

As a community-centered event designed to involve, motivate, and educate Portlanders, Riverfest promises to increase understanding of such topics as the Big Pipe, Superfund cleanup, Portland Harbor reinvestment, watershed protection, and waterfront revitalization—all while showcasing Portland’s approaches to sustainability.