One of my favorite Stream Team events of the year is coming up on Saturday, July 23rd. The 15th Annual Meramec Watershed Celebration will be held once again at Meramec State Park in Sullivan, Missouri. While the name may sound like it is an event for Stream Team members in the Meramec River watershed, the organizers really want this to be a celebration of Stream Teams across the state. They realize that few folks from the further ends of the state will make the trek, but there have been folks from Kansas City and other distant areas at the event in the past. And for good reason...
I've got to tell you, the Meramec River watershed folks know how to throw a party!! The morning starts off with a bit of education and information with a Level 2 WQM refresher class and a naturalist program. They have games and crafts for kids most of the day. They build up the excitement with a great BBQ (bring a covered side-dish to share) and raffle ticket sales. Then they turn on the heat (this is July in Missouri after all) as they call the raffle numbers and winners select their prizes from an amazing assortment of goodies: kayaks, rain barrels, float trips, restaurant and gas station gift cards, golf clubs, baskets of toys and books, and who knows what else! Sprinkle in some relaxing tubing on the Meramec, add in a poling clinic, and spice it up with some canoe sprints and you've got the fixings for a grand ole time!
If you are the true outdoors type, you can turn this day of celebration into a whole weekend. Group Campsite A in the park is reserved for Stream Teamers from Friday thru Sunday. Last year it was a bit too hot out for the kids, so we passed on the camping, but this year we are planning to spend at least one night. I hope to see you there - I'll bring the marshmallows!
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