It’s time for . . .

Riverfest

May 26, 27, 28, 2023
Farmington, NM

https://riverfestnewmexico.com/

Mark your calendar!  Riverfest is almost upon us, and we are in full swing getting everything ready.  Be sure and check out the articles in this newsletter as we have made a few changes this year.  The most notable changes are the car show location, and the River Kids and children’s activities.  The car show has been moved to Boyd Park (corner of Miller and Pinon), and the River Kids and children’s activities will be held at the River Reach Terrace over by the splash pad and playground.  Visit our website or go to our Facebook page for more information on all the events and activities.

The President’s Corner

There is an old saying that goes:  “Spring has sprung; the grass is riz, I wonder where all the flowers is.”  Today, I would re-word that saying to: “Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, and we know where the water is!!”

Yes, the water is running high and fast, and we are carefully monitoring the situation.  With that in mind, we have a good backup plan in case the river floods – and no events will be cancelled – just moved to safer locations along the River Reach Terrace and Boyd Park.  Keep checking both our Facebook page and website for updated information.

River Reach Foundation Elections

Officers and Directors were elected at our February Foundation meeting.  D’Ann Waters was reelected as President, and Gary Hanson as Vice President.  Debbie Braff, our treasurer for many years, decided to step back and let someone else take the lead.  Evan Noel was elected as our new treasurer, and Chris Troyer remains as the Secretary.  New board members include Alvin Keeswood, Bernadette Alrid, and Brian Turner.  Our new part-time administrator is Kendra Allen.

Other News

PAST EVENTS IN MARCH

On March 13th, the River Reach Foundation, in partnership with the City of Farmington, recruited some local contractors to remove large concrete chunks, old tires, and reinforcing steel bars that were put in place long ago to help stabilize the riverbanks, but now pose a risk to rafters.

The cleanup took place at the Among the Waters Trail on the west side of the city south of the Bisti Highway at the confluence where the Animas and San Juan rivers come together.  The excavator was provided by Ace Services.  Doug Foutz Construction provided the dump trucks and hauling, while XL Concrete recycled the concrete, crushing it for re-use in construction, road, and landscaping projects.  The Foundation and the City of Farmington are extremely grateful for these contractors who freely gave their time, and completed the cleanup in one day.  Because of their efforts, the river is now a lot safer for rafters!

GOT PHOTOS??

The River Reach Foundation is creating a 15-month Calendar for 2024 to celebrate the beauty of the Animas River as it flows in All seasons!

The best photos capturing the beauty and versatility of our wonderful Animas River in Farmington will grace the monthly pages of our new FULL COLOR River Reach Foundation 2024-2025 calendar.  If you enjoy capturing your favorite images on your camera or a smartphone – of family and friends, your pets, and the wildlife along the Animas River – the, we need your help.

Join in the fun of sending your favorite photos and memories along the river, as it meanders through Farmington.  Graduation and wedding, experiences at Riverfest, River Jam, Riverglo, family picnics, fishing fun, disc golf, fun runs, and much more.

Deadline for submission is July 1, 2023!  More information and submission forms can be found on our website here.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROJECTS

River Reach Foundation meeting on June 8, 2023, at 6:00pm at the Farmington Civic Center.  Our speaker will be Donna Thatcher, who led the Riverside Nature Center and its Volunteer program, “Friends of the Nature Center,” for 23 years – creating programs for our children and their families throughout the four seasons of the year.

Hear Donna share her experience and vast knowledge of the Animas River’s resident animals, plants, and trees – all of which, as community members, we can enjoy 365 days a year.

ART CARVINGS
IN THE ANIMAS/BERG PARKS

The River Reach Foundation is inviting all wood carving artists to carve animals, birds, ducks, fish, etc. found in our parks on several tree stumps using chainsaws, etc.  Information, and the proposal requirements, can be found on our website here.

RIVERFEST EVENTS

TRASH IN FASHION RECYCLED FASHION SHOW
Sunday, May 28, 2023
11:00am
Sponsored by Budget Blinds and Waste Management

Come participate in, or watch, a fashion show that celebrates creative fashion while promoting waste reduction and sustainability!  Enjoy Scott Michlin and Cidy Iacovetto as they (in recycled costumers) emcee the event.  There are 10 entries each for child, teen, and adult categories.  Prizes will be awarded for 1st & 2nd places in each category.  For more information, contact Cindy at (505) 801-0373.

POPULAR RIVERFEST RACES!

Both the Wiener Dog Races and the Duck Race are very popular!  Be sure to enter your Wiener Dog and purchase your duck race tickets!  You can register and pay for both events online at https://riverfestnewmexico.com/.

RIVERFEST 2023 ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

RIVER REACH TERRACE

Friday

5:00pm – 6:45pm – Majik Ham

7:15pm – 9:00pm – Tim Sullivan

Saturday

10:00am – 11:30am – Shawn Arrington Band

11:00am – 12:00pm – Weiner Dog Races

12:30pm – 2:00pm – Jo Tohonnie, Jr. and the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers

2:30pm – 4:00pm – Breezin’

4:30pm – 6:00pm – Funkified

6:30pm – 8:00pm – Jokers Wild

Sunday

11:00am – 12:30pm – Black Velvet

1:00pm – 2:30pm – Sandstoners

3:00pm – 5:00pm – Wild Country

Also appearing:  Mysto the Magician, Alyssa Buescher Fire Performer, and Luke Renner Yo-Yo Performances

ROCKY REACH LANDING

Saturday

10:00am – 11:30am – Delbert Anderson

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Desert Thunder Band

2:00pm – 3:30pm – Brant Leeper Band

4:00pm – 5:30pm – Spaghetti Western Band

6:00pm – 8:00pm – Ben Gibson Band

Sunday

11:00am – 12:00pm – Trash in Fashion Recycled Fashion Show at Cottonwood Landing

11:00am – 12:30pm – Julie & The Boyz

12:00pm – 5:00pm – One Nation Gourd Dance at Cottonwood Landing

1:30pm – 2:30pm – Kirk James Band

3:00pm – Duck Race

3:00pm – 3:30pm – Misto the Maji (Magic Show)

3:30pm – 5:00pm – F.A.B. Band

Also appearing:  Mysto the Magician, Alyssa Buescher Fire Performer, and Luke Renner Yo-Yo Performances

Getting to Know our Board Members

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