2016 – Tuesday, July 19

The Niña & Pinta Tours
Time: July 8  – 19 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location:  the City Docks, 90 Walnut
Description: Both The Niña and Pinta will be touring together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’, for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel’, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world. Learn more and ticket info at TheNina.com

Hudson River Clean-up
Time: 10  – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Lakefront Park
Description: The river clean-up is a core activity of the Hudson RiverFest. Community volunteers form teams (bags and gloves are provided) get out on the river collecting trash and working to help clean-up the river. While the goal of RiverFest is to get people out to enjoy the river, the river clean-up is the “purpose” for the celebration. Meet at the Bandshell for the Lakefront Park and adjoining area clean-up. For more information contact Alyson Maitrejeanamericorps2@youthactionhudson.org or call  715-386-9803.
View instructions for the River Clean-ups.
Following the clean-up, RiverFest will host a picnic lunch for the clean-up volunteers at Picnic Point (south end of Lakefront Park).

Carpenter Nature Center presents Wildlife of the St. Croix Valley
Time: 11:30 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park, Picnic Point (south end of the park)
Description: Carpenter Nature Center is an environmental education facility with the goal of fostering appreciation and inspiring stewardship of the natural world. With campuses on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the St. Croix River, CNC is able to preserve wildlife habitat while also providing quality educational opportunities. Join Nature Center staff to learn about the wildlife of the St. Croix River Valley and meet live animal ambassadors, including a bird of prey. Find out what you can do to help protect the river valley ecosystem and the amazing animals that live in the Valley.

Walkey Talkey Story Time at the Library
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Location: Hudson Area Library, 700 1st Street
Description: Following the theme of the river, stories, songs,  fingerplays and puppet friends are presented by Mary Moriarty Davis, Children’s Librarian. For children who are talking to age 3.

Just Add Water: Deluxe River Exploration
Dates: 7/19 – 7/22
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street
Description: Deluxe River Exploration is a Just Add Water art and science class for ages 9 through 12 being offered by The Phipps Center for the Arts as part of its Summer Art Camp program. During the four action-packed days of this class, participants will help with a river clean-up effort and work with artist to transform the trash and recyclables collected to create a “skin” for Scrappy, RiverFest’s mascot sculpture of a splashing bass. Throughout the week, students also will paddle kayaks on the St. Croix River, meet with naturalists and environmental educators, and learn how to make a difference in the world.  The instructor forDeluxe River Exploration is Liz Malanaphy, who has taught Just Add Water classes at The Phipps for five years. Experience hands-on fun for young artists and scientists who want to learn more about the world around them. Liz is a mother of five who has worked with hundreds of students in Hudson through the Hudson Destination Imagination program and other various community projects.
Bring a sack lunch each day. The class fee is $199. For registration call 715-386-2305 or visit Deluxe River Exploration on the Phipps Center’s website.

Paddleboard Rental
Time: Reservations available throughout the week
Location: Lakefront Park
Description: Paddleboarding, or stand-up paddling (SUP), is gaining popularity in the watersports community for its appeal of surfing and kayaking. And the coolest part is anyone can do it, anywhere! It’s one of the most fun and accessible recreation sports out there, and the total-body workout is a great way to get fit, too. Rentals available by reservation from St. Croix SUP Company.

Kayak Rentals
Time: Reservations available throughout the week
Description: Kayak rental are available through Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters. Reservations at 1-715-425-7378.

National Park Service Booth
Time: 6:30 – 8:30
Location: Lakefront Park, Picnic Point (south end of the park)
Description: Stop by the National Park Service (NPS) booth lean about the NPS 100th Birthday Celebration.

Kids Art Booth: Make Your Own Recycled Instrument
Time: 6:30 – 8:30
Location: Lakefront Park, Picnic Point (south end of the park)
Description: Kids can stop by the Messes & Masterpieces booth to create their own one-of-a-kind percussion instrument using a wide variety of found and recycled materials.  Bring your  instrument to the Thursday concert when kids will have an opportunity to play along with the band. This booth is presented by The Phipps in partnership with the Hudson Area Library’s Wiggles and Giggles Story Time. Kids can also stop in at The Phipps lobby to make instruments during Summer Art Camp from June 27 to July 21, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Native American Dance and Drumming
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park, Picnic Point (south end of the park)
Description: Gather by the river to enjoy a performance of traditional Native American Dance. Native American Celebration featuring the Native Boys Drum Group, TheTRAILS (Traditions Respecting American Indian Life Styles) Dance Troupe, and speaker William Hindsley.  Come see drumming, singing and dancing, plus learn about the St. Croix Chippewa and Ho-Chunk cultures.  This event is free and open to the public.

In the case of rain, the event will be held in the Black Box Theater at The Phipps Center for the Arts.
The Native American program is sponsored by:  

 

Wednesday, July 20

Refashioning Scrappy
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park
Description: You are invited to watch as students from The Phipps’ Just Add Water art and science class work with sculptor Johnson and local artists to transform the trash collected during the river clean-up to create a new “skin” for Scrappy, the splashing bass mascot of RiverFest.

Walkey Talkey Story Time at the Library
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Location: Hudson Area Library, 700 1st Street
Description: Stories, songs and activities describe life on the river during story time presented by Mary Davis, Children’s librarian. For children ages talking to 3.
Carpenter Nature Center present live animal ambassadors during the story time.

Paddleboard Rental
Time: Reservations available throughout the week
Location: Lakefront Park
Description: Paddleboarding, or stand-up paddling (SUP), is gaining popularity in the watersports community for its appeal of surfing and kayaking. And the coolest part is anyone can do it, anywhere! It’s one of the most fun and accessible recreation sports out there, and the total-body workout is a great way to get fit, too. Rentals available by reservation from St. Croix SUP Company.

Kayak Rentals
Time: Reservations available throughout the week
Description: Kayak rental are available through Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters. Reservations at 1-715-425-7378.

KakAttack Paddle
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park bay area
Description: Join a paddle with KakAttack.
Wahoo! Adventures will offer kayaks/paddles/life-vests for a $40 rental fee including  the gear and a safety lesson before the group departs. Reserve your kayak atwww.mywahooadventures.com. View their calendar and scroll to July 20th to the registration link for Hudson’s RiverFest Paddle.
Rental reservations are also available from Kinni Creek Outfitters at 1-715-425-7378.

Evening Prairie Hike
Time: 7 – 8 p.m.
Location: Carpenter Nature Center’s Wisconsin Campus Trail, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson. View map: (http://carpenternaturecenter.org/about/wisconsin-campus-trail-map)
Description: Join Carpenter Nature Center Director Jennifer Vieth for an evening hike through the prairie. We’ll be looking for blooming forbs and grasses as well as listening a looking for birds. Field guides and binoculars will be available to use or you may bring your own if you have them.
Cost: $6, or $4 for “Friends of CNC”

 

Thursday, July 21

Wiggles and Giggles  Story Time at the Library
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Location: Hudson Area Library, 700 1st Street
Description: Stories about rivers will be accompanied by fingerplays, songs, poetry, activities and puppet friends. Presented by Mary Moriarty Davis, Children’s Librarian.
(For children ages 3-5)

St. Croix Sailing School Open House
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Northeast corner of 1st & Buckeye Streets
Description: Stop by the St. Croix Sailing School Open House for brief sailing clinics and information about the school.

Paddleboard Rental
Time: Reservations available throughout the week
Location: Lakefront Park
Description: Paddleboarding, or stand-up paddling (SUP), is gaining popularity in the watersports community for its appeal of surfing and kayaking. And the coolest part is anyone can do it, anywhere! It’s one of the most fun and accessible recreation sports out there, and the total-body workout is a great way to get fit, too. Rentals available by reservation from St. Croix SUP Company.

Kayak Rentals
Time: Reservations available throughout the week
Description: Kayak rental are available through Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters. Reservations at 1-715-425-7378.

Carpenter Nature Center presents Wildlife of the St. Croix Valley
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park
Description: Visit with naturalists from Carpenter Nature Center to learn about the many wildlife species that share our ecosystem. Meet live frogs, turtles, snakes and a bird of prey. Stop by our display any time between 4 and 6 p.m. to learn about these amazing creatures and how you can help keep our river valley ecosystem healthy.

RiverFest Partner Display Booths
Time: 6:30 – 8:15 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park Bandshell
Description: RiverFest partner organizations will have booths with information and demonstrations before and during the concert.

St. Croix Valley Community Band Concert
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Location:   Lakefront Park Bandshell
Description: RiverFest Musical Extravaganza!  This year’s Thursday evening  concert will feature the St. Croix Valley Community Band, under the direction of Kris Tjornehoj. The music will be themed around the river.

Kids can stop by the Messes & Masterpieces booth to create their own one-of-a-kind percussion instrument using a wide variety of found and recycled materials.  During the concert kids will have an opportunity to play along with the band. You can also stop in at The Phipps lobby to make an instruments during Summer Art Camp from June 27 to July 21, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In the case of rain, the event will be held in the Hudson High School Auditorium at 1501 Vine Street.

See the RiverFest mascot Scrappy on display! Created by sculptor Mary Johnson in 2013 the splashing bass figure with a metal armature. Each year students from the Phipps Center for the Arts’ “Just Add Water” art and science class help complete the sculpture by processing and re-purposing the litter collected in Hudson during the river cleanup to create a new “skin” for Scrappy. You won’t want to miss this fun-filled family evening.

 

Friday, July 22

RiverFest Nature Boat Cruise
Time: 6:30 – 8:45 p.m. – Boarding at 6 p.m., Departs at 6:30 p.m. SHARP!
Location: Lakefront Park Grand Duchess boat, 98 Walnut Street
Description: Explore the St. Croix River Valley with Carpenter Nature Center’s Executive Director Jennifer Vieth. Learn about the natural history of the area and meet a few live animal ambassadors from Carpenter Nature Center. Come aboard the Grand Duchess for a beautiful sun set cruise. St. Croix RiverFest tickets will be seated on the 2nd level.
Details on Afton-Hudson Cruise Line’s website at www.StCroixRiverCruises.com or call 651-436-8883.
Cruise Reservations required:
RiverFest Cruise: $16 plus tax  for Carpenter Nature Center presentation and cruise only (no dinner). Cash bar available (no credit cards or checks accepted on the boat). 
RiverFest Cruise and Dinner: $37.95 for Carpenter Nature Center presentation, cruise and dinner. Cash bar available (no credit cards or checks accepted on the boat). 

Paddleboard Demo & Rental
Time:  10 a.m – 1 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park Beach
Description: Paddleboarding, or stand-up paddling (SUP), is gaining popularity in the watersports community for its appeal of surfing and kayaking. And the coolest part is anyone can do it, anywhere! It’s one of the most fun and accessible recreation sports out there, and the total-body workout is a great way to get fit, too. Rentals available by reservation from St. Croix SUP Company.

Kayak Rentals
Time: Reservations available throughout the week
Description: Kayak rental are available through Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters. Reservations at 1-715-425-7378.

 

Saturday, July 23

Morning Family Paddle
Time: 8 – 9:45 a.m.
Location: Lake Mallalieu, southwest bay, west of 2nd Street, corner of North and Bridge Streets (Take Bridge Street and circle around the southwest bay until you reach the landing spot near the dam.)
Description: Led by Paul Bourget.  Anyone may bring their own or rented kayak or canoe to join a family oriented paddle. Rental reservations are available from Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters at 715-425-7378.

Kayak Rentals
Time: Reservations available throughout the week
Description: Kayak rental are available through Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters. Reservations at 1-715-425-7378.

Kids Fishing Derby
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Lake Mallalieu, southwest bay, west of 2nd Street, corner of North and Bridge streets
Description: Sponsored by the St. Croix County Sportsman’s Alliance, Hudson Rod, Gun and Archery Club and other partners, the derby is for children ages 6-12. Mentors, bait and fishing poles will be provided. There are prizes for all.  Led by Buck Malick at cmalick2@gmail.com.

River Story Time at the Library
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Hudson Area Library, 700 1st Street
Description: Story time with water craft and water stories for children. All Ages.

Civil War Encampment & Ice Cream Social
Time: 12 – 4 p.m.
Location: the Octagon House Museum, 1004 3rd Street
Description:  Local Civil War re-enactors will stage an encampment on the lawn of the Octagon House Museum. Re-enactors from the Prescott Guards will share stories of the every day life of the Civil War soldier. Listen to barbershop harmony with music by the M&D quartet. Enjoy  an old fashioned Ice Cream Social at with homemade cookies, bars, floats and ice cream.

Carpenter Nature Center presents Wildlife of the St. Croix Valley
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park
Description: Carpenter Nature Center is an environmental education facility with the goal of fostering appreciation and inspiring stewardship of the natural world. With campuses on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the St. Croix River, CNC is able to preserve wildlife habitat while also providing quality educational opportunities. Join Nature Center staff to learn about the wildlife of the St. Croix River Valley and meet live animal ambassadors, including a bird of prey. Find out what you can do to help protect the river valley ecosystem and the amazing animals that live in the Valley.

Log Rolling Demonstration 
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park Boat Launch
Description: Watch the Hudson Log Rolling Club demonstrate log rolling techniques.

 

Sunday, July 24

Bike Safety Rodeo Family Event
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park Bathhouse (North of the Bandshell)
Description:  Get your bikes rolling at this free Bike Safety Event for kids ages 5 to 12, and the whole family is welcome to attend. Bring your bikes and helmets to have them checked for safe performance. Learn about and practice the most current bike safety rules and bike safety skills. Games, prizes and snacks! Super hero “Chomp” appearance! Registered participants will be entered into a drawing to win a new bicycle donated by River Valley Trails. Sponsored by Hudson Hospital, Healthy Together-PowerUp, Hudson Police Department, Art Doyle’s Spokes & Pedals, River Valley Trails, St. Croix EMS & Rescue and Wisconsin Bike Federation-Share & Be Aware.

Inspirational Celebration (Tentative)
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Lakefront Park Bandshell
Description:  Join a  musical celebration with spiritually-infused songs with a river theme.