June 13 & 14, 2009
11am to 5pm daily
at Soldotna Creek Park
in downtown Soldotna, AK
The Kenai River Festival is a festival unlike any other in the state of Alaska. The Kenai River Festival is a time to reflect on the importance of the Kenai River in our lives; to celebrate its great recreational, economic and educational opportunities; to learn how we can take care of the River; and understand our part in the survival of the Kenai River.
This event is centered around educating our children on the benefits of taking care of the Kenai River and our watershed. By incorporating inspirational and educational activities in a fun environment, we have fun and learn at the same time.
The Kenai River Festival is a FREE event open to all! This event is supported entirely through the generosity of local businesses and organizations.
Activities
All of the activities are FREE! With the generous support and help from local agencies and organizations, the Kenai River Festival offers over 30 hands-on, environmental science activities. We thank each and every one of these organizations and all of their volunteers.
Bird TLC: Live Raptors
This year’s selection includes Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Goshawk
Kenai River Sportfishing Association: Hooked on Fishing
Free rod & reel Give-A-Way
Saturday only starting at 12:30 pm
Ages 6-16
Build Your Own Bird House
Keen-Eye Bird Club, HomeDepot, and Spenard Builders Supply have teamed up and are leading birdhouse clinics. You'll be able to construct your own bird house. Clinics will begin every hour on the hour. Sign up at the Build Your Own Bird House booth.
AK Dept. of Fish & Game: Fish Painting on T-shirts
US Fish & Wildlife Service: Pathways to Fishing
Challenger Learning Center: Barany Chair and Paper Rockets
Studio 2B Girls: Salmon Hat Making
Kenaitze Indian Tribe: Crafts and Walking Sticks
Boys & Girls Clubs: Wooden fish model painting
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve: make your own buttons
Kenai Soil & Water Conservation District and NRCS: soil tunnel
AK Sealife Center: making clay coho salmon fry
Caring for the Kenai: winner displays
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: Earthquake Cottage
Peninsula Puppeteers: puppet shows running all day, both days.
Kenai River Center: Ice damage
Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science: water science activities
Kenai Peninsula Fishermen’s Association: skiff & knot tying activities
Artisan and Food Vendor Booths
The Kenai River Festival is a great place to find local, handcrafted art in addition to delicious food and treats. If you are interested in reserving a booth at the 2009 festival, please read through the information letter below and download an application. All the details are outlined in the letter and application. If you have additional questions, please contact Josselyn O'Connor.
Vendor Letter | Vendor Info Packet
ARTISAN Booth Application | FOOD Booth Application
Run for the River 
Run for the River is a 5K and 10 Miler run/walk to benefit the Kenai River and the Kenai River Festival.
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2009.
Registration: 8:00 am
Race Start Time: 9:00 am
WHERE: Kenai River Festival Grounds - Soldotna Creek Park in downtown Soldotna
REGISTRATION: Register online here! Early registration is open through June 5th.
Registration includes a Run for the River t-shirt.
Adult: day of race $25, pre-registration $15
Under 18: day of race $20, pre-registration $10
Under 6: Free
PRIZES: Prizes will be awarded in several age categories.
T-Shirt Design Contest
Design the official 2009 Kenai River Festival T-Shirt! We're looking for a design that embraces the sprit of the Kenai River Festival.
DEADLINE: April 3, 2009 by 5 pm.
Design Submission Details
Designs may be submitted via email, in person or via mail on cd/dvd or on paper.
Designs submitted electronically must meet the following specifications:
- Resolution – 300dpi
- File Size – Not to exceed 2 MB
- Max Image Size – 14”X16”
- File types accepted - .TIF, .JPG or .PDF
Designs submitted on paper must not exceed 14”X16”.
Email Submissions to: josselyn@kenaiwatershed.org
In Person or via Mail
Kenai River Festival
C/O Kenai Watershed Forum
44539 Sterling Hwy
Blazy Mall Suite 202
Soldotna, AK 99669
Winner will be announced by April 17. The winner will receive $100 and 2 free
T-Shirts.
Sponsors
This festival would not be possible without community support and special donations. Thank you to all who see the value in such a festival and choose to support this event. 2009 Sponsors will be listed upon receipt of their pledge.