River Heritage Festival on September 22

Free event marks the 30^th anniversary of Heritage River Designation

The public is invited to celebrate the Grand River and the entire watershed at the free River Heritage Festival, which will feature nearly 20 exhibitions and demonstrations designed for people of all ages.

The River Heritage Festival, organized by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), is free and will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 22 at Brant Conservation Area.

The festival includes free entrance into Brant Conservation Area and is a celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the Grand River and its major tributaries – the Conestogo, Eramosa, Nith and Speed rivers - being designated Canadian Heritage Rivers. The designation recognizes the cultural and natural heritage and recreational opportunities along the rivers.

The event falls on the internationally-celebrated World Rivers Day.

Demonstrations and activities

Try paddling with Grand River Rafting, a guided bike ride with the Grand Watershed Trails Network, an interpretive hike with Growe Outdoor School, or creative expression with The Voice of the River. Learn about Indigenous heritage and teachings with Two Row on the Grand, the Ohneganos water research project, and others. People can experience close encounters with live birds from the organization Wild Ontario. Children can enjoy a Water Cycles Adventure led by Water Cycles Expeditions, a river bug station with Trout Unlimited Canada, face painting and other activities.

Exhibitors
Brant Waterways Foundation, Brant Historical Society, Grand Valley Trails Association, Haldimand County, Fire Hall Museum, Waterloo Region Museums, and the GRCA.

Visit www.grandriver.ca for more information on this free event for people of all ages.

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Media Contacts:

James Clark, Senior Communications and Marketing Advisor
Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email jclark@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager, Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca