Celebrate "It's Our River Day" Saturday, September 18

Each year since 2004, on the third Saturday in September, communities across Illinois have celebrated "It's Our River Day" by organizing educational, recreational and beautification activities along local rivers. Launched by The Illinois River Coordinating Council, “It’s Our River Day” is a fun way to encourage organizations, schools, businesses, clubs, municipalities, and others to celebrate Illinois watersheds.

Locally, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the Village of Algonquin are sponsoring this year's 3rd annual "It's Our River Day" celebration and clean-up event. The location is Cornish Park in Algonquin from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, September 18. The park is located near Harrison Street and Route 62 on the Fox River, one block east of Route 31.

Members of the public are invited to take part in this fun and educational activity. Participants must provide a signed EDMC waiver & release form before they are allowed to participate in clean-up work, and minors must have the signature of a parent or guardian. A copy of the form will be available at the event, or may be downloaded online  at

It's a time to celebrate the beautiful Fox River, and help keep her clean at “It’s Our River Day” in Algonquin. Learn about the river and conservation and get some "hands-on" involvement picking up trash and recyclables, while enjoying live music and learning about safe fun on the river through kayak demonstrations.

The event will kick-off with two speakers, Debby Sosine, Village of Algonquin Trustee, and Gary Swick with Friends of the Fox River. Following opening remarks, a kayaker from the Prairie Coast Paddlers will discuss and demonstrate kayaking on the Fox River. There will also be informational displays provided by area environmental groups.

At 2:15 the clean up will begin, with gloves and bags provided by The Sierra Club. Throughout the clean-up, the Mack Hotterson band featuring local musicians, Alan Parquette, Eliot Levy and Randy Siewert, will perform. The event will conclude at 4:00 p.m.