Salute to Petaluma River history

What better way to spend a late summer day than celebrating the beauty and rich history of the Petaluma River at the River Heritage Fair on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Hosted by the Friends of the Petaluma River, the fair is designed to educate the community on the history of the river as well as how to utilize it for recreation. The event also features a variety of displays, music, food and activities for all ages.

The River Heritage Fair also provides the opportunity for Friends of the Petaluma River to introduce the public to the new River Heritage Center located in the historic livery stable in Steamer Landing Park at D and Copeland streets.

Though still a work in progress, the FPR plans for the River Heritage Center to become a place where people can learn about the river, connect with it for recreation and enjoy various educational programs and exhibits.

“We hope to establish facilities for visiting small boaters and motorized craft, have space for overnight camping and be able to have youth events here,” said David Yearsley, executive director of FPR. “One of our primary goals is to create a place where children and people of all ages, can have free, unstructured time to explore nature.”

The River Heritage Fair kicks off with the Mayor’s Boat Ride beginning at 10 a.m. in the Petaluma Marina. Everyone with a canoe, kayak, row boat or other naturally powered vessel is invited to join in the fun. This year, Mayor Pamela Torliatt will ride aboard a longboat powered by the Petaluma Sea Scouts.

Participants should plan to be on the water near the Petaluma Marina at 9:45 a.m. All participants are required to wear a personal flotation device.

The Traditional Small Craft Association will also be present during the boat ride with examples of hand-crafted wood boats.

The Heritage Fair continues with the launching of a newly constructed Native American-style tule reed boat from the banks of the River Heritage Center. The public is invited to watch as a volunteer team will construct the watercraft using traditional methods.

Petaluma’s official historic scow schooner, Alma, will be arriving in Petaluma on Friday and be on display in the Turning Basin during the festival along with the Grace Quan, a 40-foot replica of a traditional shrimp junk.

Both vessels are from the San Francisco National Maritime Musuem, which was founded by Petaluma native Karl Kortum. The boats will have displays onboard and be open to the public in the Turning Basin during the festival. There will also be a tule splitter, a historic waterfowl hunting boat used in the Petaluma marshes, on display in the Turning Basin.

The Petaluma Sea Scouts will be offering festival-goers boat rides around the Turning Basin to the River Heritage Center. Jungle Vibes will host kite flying activities and a children’s treasure hunt at the River Heritage Center.

For more information, visit www.friendsof thepetalumariver.org.