July 15, 2024 2:50 a.m.

Umpqua Watersheds is hosting the 38th River Appreciation Day this Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

It will held in partnership with the Umpqua Valley BIPOC community, and will take place at River Forks Park, northwest of Roseburg.

A Watersheds release said the event started following the efforts of concerned citizens from around the state committing their time, energy, and resources to protect the rivers. The first River Appreciation Day was held in 1987 at River Forks Park. John Kitzhaber, who was the state’s senate president at the time, spoke at the event. Two years later the Oregon State Legislature passed a resolution officially naming the third Saturday in July as River Appreciation Day.

The event will include:

*Acoustic Blend from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

*Storytelling with Esther and Shannin Stutzman, from the Kommema Kalapuya and Coos Tribe at 2:30 p.m.

*Music from Jonathan Foster from 4:30 p.m. to 5;00 p.m.

*The Douglas County Bluegrass Band from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information on River Appreciation Day, go to: https://umpquawatersheds.org/