I was so happy to see this in the Fairfield paper, too bad Todd got the artist names mixed up. But still, it looks like a good event and when people come we can straighten things out, right?
Beaver Festival returns to downtown Martinez
FAIRFIELD — The 13th Beaver Festival returns Saturday at Susana Park in Martinez.
The event, put on by the organization Worth A Dam, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and celebrates the group’s effort to preserve the local beaver population in Alhambra Creek. That victory took place 15 years ago.
Since then, members of that group have been working with individuals trying to get Fairfield to take similar measures to help the beavers of Laurel Creek.
“The free outdoor, family friendly event offers live music, wildlife exhibits, nature education, children’s activities and a wildly popular chalk artist that will be completing her beaver mural while the delighted crowd watches,” the organization said in a statement.
The artist is Martinez resident Amelia Hunter.
“Every year the festival focuses on a central message. This year is how beavers can help California. By storing water, reducing fires and increasing biodiversity, beavers can really be an asset to the golden state,” the statement said.
There have not been any beavers in the Martinez creek since 2017.
Heidi Perryman, the founder and president of Worth A Dam, believes the reason for the absence has been the drought, which has raised the salinity level from the tidal surges into the creek.
This is the first festival in three years due to the pandemic. The event has typically attracted about 1,500 people, with many visitors from outside the state. There were will be 40 to 50 wildlife groups with exhibits, as well as live music and lots of food choices.
“One highlight of the day will be the ‘Giant Beaver Giveaway,’ made possible by Dr. Mark Troyer from Washington, D.C., who after 35 years of collecting stuffed beavers wanted to donate them for an educational purpose. He gifted several hundred of the figures to Worth A Dam, and this year children at the festival can ‘earn’ the stuffed beaver of their choice by stepping up to the mic and reminding California how beavers can help.”
Children are also invited to become “nature detectives” and help solve the “Case of the Missing Salmon” by using animal tracks at the beaver pond. Prizes will be awarded.
“Attendees can also paint an animal spirit flag with a local artist or help with the chalk art in the plaza,” the statement said.
A silent auction will be held. Among the donated items are gifts from Safari West, Silverado vineyards and many downtown restaurants.
The park is located at the corner of Estudillo and Susana streets in the downtown area.
Nice Job. There isn’t a THING I would change about that article except Amy’s name. Amelia did this.
