10th Annual Day on the River

Who is putting this on? Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR) orchestrates this event with the vital help of partners such as Alabama Rivers Alliance, Birmingham Canoe Club, Cahaba River Society, McWane Center and Alabama Water Watch.  Several environmental educators have also developed activity stations.

How will this be organized? Upon arrival and after checking in at Registration, children in the 3rd through 6th grade will be collected into groups of 8-10.  They will stay with that group all day.  Each group will have a shepherd (adult volunteer and guide) and each group will have a unique name such as the herons and the dragonflies.  The children will be taken to the activity stations according to the shepherd’s schedule. 

What will my kids do? At the activity stations the children will learn by doing something or experiencing nature in an active way such as building a watershed, finding tiny life forms in the river, touching a snake or an owl, digging for fossils at our Locust Fork Beach, playing food chain tag, learning how to do a chemistry test on the river water to determine the health of the river and its ability to sustain life, learning basic canoe safety and having an opportunity to guide a canoe on their own.  Much, much more!

What age children should participate?  Activities are designed with consideration of the Alabama school science curriculum and aimed at children in grades 3 through 6.

I have a child with ‘special needs’?  Please let us know if you have a child with special needs so we can plan for your child to have a great experience at Day on the River. Email:  Sharon Cook for these issues.

What about our teens?  Can they participate?  Teens though age 14 may participate in our activities.  As to age 15, there is some flexibility here depending on the youngster.  They may either participate as the other children or be a volunteer.  Teens 16 and older will likely be conscripted as volunteers (also a fun thing to do).  If we know ahead of time of a teen volunteer we can assign that young adult to a volunteer job that suits them.  (email me atotebear@gmail.com)

What’s the parents’ role in this?  Can we drop off our kids and leave?  No!  Parents or scout leaders must stay.  Parents can follow along behind the group and learn along with the children.  Parents must keep any children below age 7 with them as there will not be activities for this age group.  Although we make provisions to monitor the water and rocks for safety, parents or scout leaders are ultimately responsible for keeping up with all the children they bring and for maintaining discipline. 

Why does FLFR want to keep down the number of adults who come?  The goal of this event is to provide environmental education activities to as many Blount County children as possible.  Keeping down the number of adults at the event allows us to serve more children.  We urge that you bring no more than one adult for every two children you bring.  If your group is ‘out of balance’ bring some of your children’s friends.  However, no one will be turned away on this issue.

Can we just drop-in at any time during the day?   No.  This is an all-day event and families who arrive after 9:30 am will not be able to participate. 

How do we get to King’s Bend?  King’s Bend is on the banks of the Locust Fork River and reached off of highway 79. 

Driving north from Cleveland on Hwy 79/231, King’s Bend is 3 miles north of the only traffic light in Cleveland.  Go over the new bridge over the Locust Fork River and immediately look for the signs (King’s Bend and Day on the River) and a yellow canoe will be on the right side.  The road may look closed but you double back a short way to get into the King’s Bend grounds.  If you drive as far as the fork where Hwy 79 splits from Hwy 231 you went 1/8th mile too far. 

Driving south from Blountsville, King’s Bend will be on your left 1/8th mile south of where Hwy 231 and 79 join; and, immediately before the new bridge.  If you cross the bridge you’ve gone too far.  Look for the signs (King’s Bend and Day on the River) and a yellow canoe will be on the left side.  The road may look closed but you double back a short way to get into the King’s Bend grounds. 

How do I register?  Pre-registration is by email or phone with names & ages of children, number of other family members attending & contact information.   Get more information or REGISTER by Email at dayontheriver@gmail.com or Contact Susan 205-429-3240.

When should we arrive and will it be over?   Plan to arrive by 8:15. The program will start promptly at 8:45.  Day on the River will end at 3:30.

Is there a cost?  ‘Day on the River’ is a gift to the children of Blount County by the Friends of the Locust Fork River and all its partners.  There is no cost.

What should my children wear?  OLD clothes, hats and shoes that can get wet and very dirty.  Shoes that protect feet while being in the water and on rocks are important.

What about lunch and water?  A simple lunch of hot dogs, slaw, drinks, water and dessert will be available for all-including parents and volunteers.  The children will be encouraged to stay with their groups during lunch but parents can certainly join them.

What about safety and first aid?   We do everything possible to keep the children safe.  Should there be a scratch or bump-go to Central Station  for first Aid.  For more serious problems, a Blount County Rescue team, plans to be on site during the whole day.  However, there is always the possibility that they could be called off to an emergency.  Although volunteers monitor the water & rocks for child safety, parents or scout leaders are ultimately responsible for keeping up with the children they bring & not allowing them to run around on the rocks in a risky manner.

Can we bring our dog and hand-held electronic games?  No dogs or pets!  Absolutely no cell phones or electronics with the children.

What else should we bring?  Bug repellant and sun screen. 

Do I need to bring any money?   No money is necessary.  However, you may want to bring cash or a check to purchase t-shirts, hats or cup holders and even make a contribution to ‘Friends of the Locust Fork River’.

Can parents or scout leaders also volunteer?  YES YES YES.  We still need more volunteers.  Email Sharon at otebear@gmail.com for volunteer opportunities. Or, let us know at registration that you will be available during some part of the day to volunteer.  Any ‘loose adult’ is at risk to be conscripted into a volunteer job if needed. 

What if the weather is bad? If there is any question whether the event will take place please go to www.flfr.orgfor updates about Day on the River.