It was a beautiful summer day to honor the river, condors, art, nature and salmon at Forks State Park June 24.
The Hathkapasuta River Celebration had a good turnout from local families with children having fun in, on, and next to the Illinois River at the free event sponsored by Cultural & Ecological Enhancement Network.
The weather was perfect for children to splash in the water and participate in hands-on activities from the Oregon Caves, I.V. Watershed Council, Illinois River Valley Arts Council and much more, all while listening and dancing to the groovy tunes of Sunrise and the Starseed Experience and the Frankie Hernandez Band.
There was also plenty of adult education with a Tolowa soaproot demonstration, California Condor information, raffle prizes and Yurok basketry.
A fan favorite was watching the Recycled River Rafting Race, Salmon in the River performance and the Giant Puppet Parade by Coyote Rising. It was especially fun to watch the children jump in the river and take over the sinking recycled raft made by local Roscoe Grimes called the “Get On.”
Here are the awards for the raft entries:
Fastest – JD, “Mrs. Hippy Queen”
Most Unique – Jason, “Funbrella”
Funniest – Manny, “Ali Hondro”
Best Fishing Raft – Michelle, “Blazing Starflower”
Most Entertaining – Roscoe, “Get On”
A special thank you to Tim Mondragon, Suzanne Vautier and Jill Talise and all the generous volunteers for being dedicated to passing on culture and history from the Illinois Valley to the younger generations.
And of course, thank you to the sponsors of this caring community event: Oregon State Parks, Oregon Caves, Tony’s Appliances, Carlos’ Restaurante, Oregon Caves Chevron, River Valley Restaurant, Mama Jimy Jambas, Cave Junction Liquor, Illinois Valley News, Wild Bill’s Oregon Outlet, Coyote Rising Puppets, Illinois River Valley Arts Council, Junction Realty, Coffee Heaven, NAPA, Dr Joe’s Pet Hospital, Siskiyou Market, KXCJ LP Community Radio, Silver Fence Farm & Market, I.V. Guns & Ammo, Resort at Lake Selmac, Bigfoot Printing, Bruno’s Cavern, Perfect Pizza, Taylor’s Country Store, Wheels A Turnin’, Pine Portal Cafe & Market and Cascade Auto Repair.