Celebrate the Huron River with free, family-friendly river activities during the 43rd annual Huron River Day festival Sunday, May 21, noon-4 p.m. at Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Road in Ann Arbor sponsored by the DTE Energy Foundation and additional support provided by Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, the City of Ann Arbor, and the Huron River Watershed Council (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/Pages/Gallup.aspx).
“Huron River Day is a day to celebrate and connect with our home river. The Huron gives us water for drinking. It provides beautiful landscapes, habitat for wildlife, and inviting places to swim, fish, paddle and enjoy nature. Come join us for some fun and to learn how you can protect the river,” Rebecca Esselman, Executive Director of the Huron River Watershed Council.
All are invited to become immersed in this popular, annual festival spotlighting everything the Huron River has to offer! Explore the park by boat with $5 canoe and kayak rentals; classic boat show; outdoor scavenger hunt for kids; listen to live music featuring a variety of local musicians; and eat delicious, local food — all while learning about the Huron River. Free river-themed exhibits and children’s activities include hands-on learning about how streams work with the University of Michigan Natural History Museum; fishing (everything is provided for you); live animals from Leslie Science & Nature Center; 30-minute nature walks with Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation; interactive presentations by the Dirt Doctor demonstrating how everyone’s actions affect our waterways and more.
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Mobile Learning Center will be onsite featuring the river’s natural history and the Huron-Wyandot Native Americans that once called Oakwoods Metropark home. Special guests in the mobile center will include the Grand Chief of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation, Chief Ted talking about the Six Points tribal land (a 15-acre site that was a part of the holdings of Adam Brown, one of the main chiefs of the Wyandot Nation in the past). Karen Burr will be discussing the Huron River Flute Circle and giving flute demonstrations and Kevin Arnold will be sharing information on the Oakwoods Metropark (formerly a 4,996-acre reservation for the Wyandot Nation due to the signing of the Treaty of St. Mary’s).
Parking is available across Fuller Road at Huron High School, but if you commute by bike to Gallup Park, your boat rental will be free. Additional details about the Huron River Day celebration can be found at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/Huron-River-Day.aspx.
