Kennebec Celebration Returns to Augusta Waterfront

The 5th Annual Kennebec Celebration, “celebrating the spring running and life in, on, and along the Kennebec River,” will take place Saturday, June 12, on the Augusta waterfront.

Once home to the spring running of millions of river herring to their spawning grounds, the Kennebec River is experiencing a resurgence decades after the implementation of the Clean Water Act and the removal of the Edwards Dam in Augusta in 1999.

Area residents are witnessing growing numbers of fish like shad and alewives, which are attracting bald eagles, ospreys, and even golden eagles, and striped bass and sturgeon now travel as far north as Waterville. The local economy has benefited as more people come for fishing, boating, or just sightseeing.

The Kennebec Celebration is a free, family event that focuses on the river and its importance to communities in the Kennebec River Valley, from pre-colonial times to modern day.

“It’s our chance to recognize the efforts of those who have worked so hard to return the river to a more natural and cleaner state, and those who now want to preserve this beautiful natural resource for current generations and future generations,” said event coordinator Dana Morse.

The event begins at 11 a.m.—rain or shine—on the grounds of Old Fort Western and the East Side Boat Launch in downtown Augusta. Scheduled festival attractions include free tours of Old Fort Western, educational displays by conservation groups, live music performances hosted by the Kennebec Conservatory, demonstrations by the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association, Native American drumming by the Burnurwurbskek Singers of the Penobscot Indian Nation, the Fort-to-Fort Canoe and Kayak Expedition, a craft show featuring Maine artisans, and demonstrations and activities hosted by the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts.

Visit www.kennebeccelebration.com and Facebook for up- dates. For further information about the festival, contact Dana Morse of Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension at 207-563-3146 x205 or mail to: dana.morse@maine.edu or call theTime and Tide Resource Conservation and Development Area Organization office at 207-622-7847 x4.