Riverfest Kicks Off in Waterfront Park Friday

The Portland RiverFest -- a celebration of all things Willamette -- kicks off this Friday with a grueling, 11.67 mile endurance swim from Jon Strom Park in Oregon City to Waterfront Park in Portland.
For those who aren't looking to test the limits of their swimming skills, a community paddle will begin at the Madison Street dock for families to explore the banks of the mighty river (registration and $5 is required, kids are free).
The weekend will continue with a variety of events, including a riverfront clean-up, family boat building, a student rowing class, dragonboating and the RiverFest Movie in the Park. During the entire weekend, The River Fair will be set up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is described as the "Heart of RiverFest." Nearly all the activities for RiverFest are free.
The Fair features a number of stations that will demonstrate the how hand-crafted boats are made, what science is used to determine water quality and learn about the city's history by the river, among others.
Visit www.portlandriverfest.org for a full schedule of events.