Red River, a Native American Group Opened the Inaugural Freshwater Folk Festival at White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery on October 1, 2005, with Ceremonial Drumming and Dancing Honoring Rivers. Photographer, Catherine Gatenby

Red River dancer at the Inaugural Freshwater Folk Fesival on October 1, 2005 at White Sulhpur Springs National Fish Hatchery. Photographer, Catherine Gatenby

Festival-goers join Red River, a Native American group, in a ceremonial dance honoring the circle of life, and cooperation among all people to preserve our nation's rivers. October 1, 2005, White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, Inaugural Freshwater Folk Festival. Photographer, Caherine Gatenby

Mr. Larry Two-Rivers addresses Festival-goers with a prayer and call for cooperation among all communities to preserve and conserve our nation's rivers, at the Inaugural Freshwater Folk Festival, October 1, 2005 at the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery

Friends of the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery hosted the Inaugural Freshwater Folk Festival, Saturday, October 1.  All activities were free to the general public.  Over 1,000 visitors attended the event.

Red River, a Native American educational and drum group, opened the festival with a traditional drumming circle and prayer ceremony.   This was followed by dance demonstrations honoring freshwater rivers, healing, and the circle of life by.  Larry Two-Rivers spoke to the audiences about the history of native Americans, their relationship to rivers, and about a mission for all people to help each other protect our environment. 

Biologists and research scientists lectures on "Our Nation’s Biodiversity,"  "Effects of Disturbances and Historical Landscapes on our Southern Appalachian Streams," and "Rare and Endangered Fishes of Southwestern United States."  Biologists from a number of natural resource agencies and non-profit organizations conducted demonstrations about snakes, fishes, freshwater mussels, aquatic insects, and restoring habitat along stream corridors in the state.  Attendees learned how to tie flies from the local Trout Unlimited chapter, proper fly-fishing techniques from a local fly-fishing enthusiast, and how to make a traditional fishing hook and pole by one of Red River’s Native American leaders.  One of the  fish rearing buildings was covered with over 100 posters about water quality and freshwater resources drawn by Greenbrier County fifth and sixth graders.

Food for sale included southern pulled barbecue pork smoked onsite, southern fried chicken, hot dogs and chili, and lots of delicious homemade sweets and pies. 

Arts and crafts were available for purchase, including woodenware; chestnut furniture; Blue Ridge Mountain gems; tapestries and rugs; spun wool hats and scarves; home-tanned leather goods; flint knapping products; and a variety of Native American crafts.      

For additional information, contact the National Fish Hatchery at (304) 536-1361.