Friday, October 10, 1997
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 3
Rollin' Down the River festival immersed in environment, arts
Activities center on water resources
By Rachelle Detweiler
rdetweiler@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
This weekend kicks off the Lawrence portion of the Rollin' Down the River festival. Events are geared to create a greater sense of community while celebrating the Kaw River's resources.
The Rollin' Down the River Festival will celebrate the Kaw River resources this weekend. People living in the Kaw River Valley depend on the river for water. Photo by Augustus Anthony Piazza/KANSAN
The traveling festival is unique in each of the 23 communities participating in the event. The festival began Sept. 10 in Junction City and will end on Oct. 19 in Kansas City, Kan.
"Every town expresses the festival in a different way," said Laurie Ward, chairperson of the Lawrence planning committee. "That's the beauty of it. Each town brings out its own strengths and resources."
Ward said that Lawrence is more art-oriented than many other towns along the river. Events, like the Lawrence Art Guild's Masked Ball at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Riverfront Plaza, will reflect the community's dedication to the arts.
The arts and the environment will mesh in the Prairie Wind Dancers original production of
"River Dance." Performers will wave oversized silk banners splashed with colors unique to the Kansas skyline, said Candi Baker, project coordinator.
The banners' shades of blue, rose and golden brown will represent the converging of the river and the 'and which supports a diverse ecosystem.
Kate Shaw, collection manager for ichthyology at the Natural History Museum, said that more than 65 species of fish thrive in the Kaw River. Her demonstration at 1 p.m. tomorrow may douse participants with water as they view the river's aquatic life.
Shaw will wade in the water, scooping fish from the river into a small fish net. Shaw encourages people to wear old clothes and wade with her as she inspects the fish, then releases them back into their natural habitat.
People depend on the river for more than just recreation, beauty and a habitat for local species. They also depend on the river for survival, said Joyce Wolfe, administrator of the festival's Lawrence division.
Drinkable water is a vital component for life, and every person living in the Kaw River valley depends on the river for water, Wolfe said.
Even though decisions, such as dredging the river, may cause environmental problems to the water, festival organizers purposely avoided the issue of dredging. The local planning committee was broad-based and controversy would've hindered the group's progress. Wolfe said.
For residents concerned with environmental issues, a 60 page book "Caring for the Kaw" will be available for free.
The book will help community
members remember their responsibility after the festival's closing ceremony on Sunday.
"We haven't taken the time out to get to know the Kaw River," Wolfe said. "If you don't know it, you don't appreciate it. If you don't appreciate it, you won't take care of it."
"The idea is to get people to think about the river," Wolfe said. "We don't think about it on a day-to-day basis."
Humane society to hold benefit auction
500 E. 23rd (Across from Haskell Stadium) 865-0692
Shelter hopes event will raise $15,000 to fund animal care
By Ann Premer
apremer@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
The Lawrence Humane Society is holding its third annual charity auction tomorrow night at Liberty Hall to raise money for the care of the 5,000 animals that the shelter houses each year.
The auction will start at 6 p.m. with a silent auction of more than 100 donated items. Between 75 and 80 items will be auctioned off in the second auction that will begin about 8 p.m.
Humane society volunteer Ron Johnson said that local businesses donated approximately $25,000 worth of merchandise for the auction.
Some of the items that have been donated are a car, a mountain bike, 25 pieces of artwork from local artists, a piece of Allen Field House's floor autographed by Roy Williams, two footballs autographed by Kansas City Chiefs players and gift certificates.
Leslie Johnson, owner of The Loft, said that her store donated a pet carrier and dog treats.
"I'm a supporter of the humane society and I'm very much a lover of animals," she said.
For Sale
Johnson said that the humane society encouraged people to be generous with their bids even
■ Who: Lawrence Humane Society
■ Where: Liberty Hall
■ When: 6 p.m., Saturday
■ Items offered: car, mountain bike, local artwork, autographed footballs, gift certificates
though they would be able to get bargains on some items.
"We want people to remember that this is a benefit auction," he said.
"We hope that it is higher than that," he said.
Johnson said that the shelter's goal was to raise $15,000.
The first auction was held in 1995 to raise money for the new shelter, but this auction is to raise money for animal care, Johnson said.
He said that the first auction raised $10,000 and that the second auction raised $5,000.
Sassy, a dog who was taken in by the shelter and adopted by a local family, will be at the auction. Her family and volunteers will tell her story.
"My sense is that in all of our lives we have had an animal that has touched our hearts," Johnson said. "We are the only organization in the community that takes care of domestic animals in Douglas County."
Tickets at the door cost $10 and $15 for a couple. Live music and refreshments will be provided.
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