Extravagantly decorated birds are popping up throughout downtown, heralding the arrival of this year’s River Day.
‘There’s going to be something fun for people of all ages, including viewing these birds,” said Colleen Hogan-Schmidt, chairwoman of the annual event. “I think kids, teenagers, and adults will all enjoy seeing them in the different retailers and restaurants in town.?
Clarkston store owners decorated the wooden birds in a multitude of colors and feathers, and will display them in storefront windows until the event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, June 11. The birds will be part of a silent auction, organized by the Clarkston Retailers Group.
The event is both educational and fun, Hogan-Schmidt said.
‘River Day has evolved into becoming a celebration and creating awareness of keeping our lakes and streams clean, and how to better use them for recreation,? she said.
River day, organized by the non-profit group Wild Ones, will include a variety of activities to celebrate a healthy environment.
Activities include fly fishing and kayaking demonstrations on Mill Pond, large native plant and reference book sale, and informational booths on how to keep lakes and streams from becoming polluted.
Along with these events, Boy Scout Troop 189 will clean up the Clinton River shoreline in Depot Park to help promote cleaner rivers.
Peg Roth, a representative of the Clarkston Retailers Group, says she is excited about the event.
‘It’s overall just a great family day. It’s going to involve the whole city, from Mill Pond over to Depot Park,? Roth said.
The event will have something to offer everyone, Hogan-Schmidt said.
Registration will be in the Clarkston News parking lot. Guests may place their bid on the wooden birds at the event.
The last bid will be accepted at 1 p.m. Winners will be announced at the end of River Day. Silent auction funds will benefit Wild Ones North Oakland Chapter in promoting education of gardening with Michigan native plants.