August 28—September 7, 2008

Celebrate the River, On the River

Join in the fun at Portland’s biggest event to celebrate the Willamette River. Riverfest is being designed as a family-friendly chance to come down by the riverside, get out on the water, take river tours, enjoy live music, learn first-hand about the river’s history and environment, participate in riverbank plantings and clean-up, and view river spectacles. Riverfest will offer a full week of activities, including (some of the dates are approximate, pending final logistical decisions):

•  Oregon Trout 2^nd Annual City of Portland Triathlon (Sunday, August 31)

In 2007, more than three hundred athletes from as far away as New York and Florida entered the race, held to showcase the city of Portland’s downtown as a triathlon venue – and to raise awareness of the need to clean up Oregon’s waterways. Even more participants are expected in 2008.

•  Willamette River Community Fair (Sunday, August 31)

River agencies and organizations will set up along the Willamette in Waterfront Park to engage citizens in conversations about the history, ecology, and economy of our River.

•  Willamette Boat Parade

Dozens of craft of all types will showcase the history and diversity of the Willamette as a navigable waterway. Yachts, sailboats, tugs, motorboats, and more will provide a colorful display set against downtown’s urban skyline.

•  Portland Paddle (weekend of September 6)

Bring your own canoe or kayak—or board one provided by event organizers—and launch into fun on the Willamette. Try your hand at paddling one of Portland’s famed dragon boats.

•  River Tours (both weekends)

The Willamette’s beautiful even speeding (or creeping) across the bridges—but here’s your chance to see it up close. Look for bald eagles at Portland’s newest natural area on Ross Island, or feel the energy of Portland’s working harbor and its international line up of ocean-going ships.

•  Live music

Before, after, or in-between river experiences, enjoy live music of all sorts on the waterfront.

•  Willamette Fan-Fair

Stroll Waterfront Park to interact with some of the River’s biggest fans to learn about the river’s history, how it contributes to our economy, and how it’s doing environmentally (and how you can help).

Be Part of Riverfest!

Riverfest organizers (see next page) are inviting additional support from organizations and individuals:

•  Sponsorships are available at the following levels:

•  Monetary contributions in any amount are also welcome (contributions are tax-deductible (?); make checks out to __________________).

•  Volunteers may be needed for a number of event activities—throw your name into the ring now for later contact.

Contact: ______________________, _________________________.

Riverfest is being organized and supported by:

•  The City of Portland’s River Renaissance Initiative

•  Portland Triathlon

•  Oregon Trout

•  Willamette Riverkeeper

•  The Portland Boathouse

•  The Willamette Fun(d) of the Oregon Community Foundation

•  Ecotrust

•  The Portland Bureau of Parks and Recreation

•  Columbia Crossing

•  Columbia River Yachting Association

Riverfest partners providing in-kind help or advice include:

•  VisionPDX

•  Crafters Collective

•  Sauvie Island Conservors/The Writing Works

•  SOLV

•  City of Portland Planning Bureau

•  City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services

•  Portland Audubon

•  Portland High School Sailing

•  OMSI

•  Dragon Sports USA

•  Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership

•  Portland Ducks

•  Port of Portland

•  Grantmakers of OR/SW WA

•  Portland Center Stage

•  Bob Gandolfi Events

•  South Waterfront

•  Elysium Events

•  PWR/NWAR

•  Wasabi Paddling Club/NWSA

•  Portland Triathlon

•  Three Pin Productions