Background, Mission & Goals

PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION

Tentatively scheduled for August 28 through September 7, 2008, Riverfest is a new event that will celebrate the major River running through the heart of Portland, and inspire residents to deepen their connection to, and understanding of, this working river.

Forging a unique set of partnerships among multiple City bureau’s, environmental conservation organizations, outdoor recreation and tourism associations, and regional businesses, Riverfest will invite Portland’s citizens to enjoy a weekend of river-specific recreation activities, education, and entertainment.

In order to differentiate the event further from the many established celebrations occurring throughout the year at McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, the possibility of multiple venues along the waterfront is being evaluated. Possible event activities include educational displays, live music, food, a boat parade & contest, boating lessons, stone skipping contests, a triathlon and waterfront bike rides, water taxis, environmental action pledges, swimming and more!. Event logistics, formal media and outreach, and corporate and other sponsorship coordination will be conducted by a hired event organizing staff.

CURRENT PARTNERS

The initial organizing group, which to date consists of participants from the entities listed below, will act in a collaborative fashion to guide the event’s overall framework and activities.

Convening Organizations:

⮈  River Renaissance

⮈  City of Portland Parks and Recreation

⮈  Oregon Trout

⮈  Salmon-Safe

⮈  Willamette Riverkeeper

⮈  Portland Oregon Visitor’s Association

⮈  Portland Boathouse

⮈  Willamette River Fun(d) at Oregon Community Foundation

⮈  City of Portland Triathlon

⮈  Columbia Crossings

⮈  Columbia River Yachting Association

⮈  Port of Portland

⮈  South Waterfront

⮈  Ecotrust

EVENT OUTCOMES

The expectation is that this event will, over the course of several years, grow to become a core event for the city and its residents. It is likely that it will draw regional and even national attention for its success at garnering high levels of citizen engagement in both urban and rural communities - upstream and downstream. It is also likely that the event has capacity to actively improve river ecosystems and watershed health while encouraging increased economic activity in both. Potential event goals may include:

⮈  signature Portland event

⮈  draw regional and national attention

⮈  garner high levels of citizen engagement

⮈  link urban and rural communities

⮈  actively contribute to river ecosystem and watershed health

⮈  increase economic activity in recreation& tourist-related industries