The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association hosted RiverFest for the fifth year Sunday Sept. 27 at Historic St. Mary’s City. The free-to-the-public event offered an abundance of unique booths, offering information about Southern Maryland’s pro-environment organizations. Many in attendance enjoyed the free admission to the historic museum as well.

Kids enjoyed pumpkin painting, balloon creations, and hands-on touch tanks filled with the river’s native species. Free kayaking and skipjack rides gave families an opportunity to enjoy the water. Live music filled the air, food vendors provided lunch to hungry visitors and beach seining offered a glimpse at the life that fills the river.
 
SMRWA Exectutive Director Bob Lewis called the event, “a bursting forth of color.” Lewis said with grant opportunities hard to come by in a waning economy, “Volunteers will become our platform for sustainability.” The organization is always seeking donations and volunteers to support their mission: “To Protect, Improve and Promote the well-being of the St. Mary’s River Watershed through the collaborative efforts of economic, agriculture, environmental, social, cultural and political stakeholders in the community.”
 
With picture-perfect views of the waterway, RiverFest provided the ideal backdrop for a celebration of SMRWA’s efforts. The BayNet.com was on hand to enjoy the festivities and see how many people we could catch in our net!