The three-hour Snake River Family Festival began at 11 a.m. at Boyer Park and Marina on Saturday with live music by Sammy Eubanks, complimentary barbecue lunch and ice cream by Ferdinand’s provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
Regan Meyer, Port of Whitman County communications director, said this was the county’s eighth year organizing the Snake River Family Festival. Meyer said about 600 people attended the event, which is more than in previous years.
Jennifer Riddle, Tidewater corporate communications and marketing manager, said the festival takes place at a breathtaking location that allows a scenic walk along the river, all while learning about the industries that quietly keep our economy moving.
Riddle said she has been a part of the Snake River Family Festival every year since it began, and that it is one of her favorite events.
“It brings the community together to celebrate the region, the river and the people and industries that rely on it,” Riddle said.
Meyer said the Port of Whitman County acts as an economic development entity and interacts with various local governments and businesses often. However, they do not get a chance to interact with the public as much she said.
The Snake River Family Festival gives them that opportunity and allows the community to see the preservation of on-water recreation from the Boyer Park and Marina, which is leased by the Port of Whitman County from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Exhibitors included the Army Corps of Engineers, Northwest River Partners, Tidewater Transportation, Chamber Transportation and Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, among others who presented booths to educate the community.
The Army Corps of Engineers educated the public and children about basic species and invasive species, also bringing in a fish transportation truck for a visual experience.
The McGregor Company taught people about agriculture on the Palouse through demonstrations. Tidewater and Chamber Transportation educated the public about barging and freight transport through the river.
Tidewater created an activity where visitors could stamp a commodity on the barge on a poster. Everyone who stamped received a $3 token that they could give to one of three non-profits – Lewis Clark Animal Shelter, Palouse Chamber of Commerce or La Crosse Community Pride.
Riddle said this was a great way to avoid plastic giveaways and do something more meaningful and lasting instead.
“A small way to highlight the importance of the river system, reduce waste, and give back to the communities that support it,” Riddle said, “Each [non-profit] represents the foundational elements a community needs to thrive: compassion, economic vitality and civic pride.”
Meyer said the festival is about recognizing the beauty of our community.
“We are extremely grateful that [Tidewater] did this,” Meyer said.
Riddle said the Snake River Family Festival is the most meaningful event they participate in, from the exhibitor’s perspective.
The Snake River Family Festival allows all exhibitors and community members to meet in person, ask and answer questions and explain their work in a hands-on manner, Riddle said.
Riddle said the festival allows them to design activities fit for all ages and educate others on how river-based industries reduce highway congestion and offer fuel-efficient, low-emission ways to move freight.
Riddle said it helps to build a more informed community, which is important for protecting the future of the river.
“Events like the Snake River Family Festival open people’s eyes to what is moving just below the surface,” Riddle said.
The festival ended with a raffle, with the winner getting a half-day Hells Canyon boat tour from Snake River Adventures.
