World Rivers Day brings poker derbies, treasure hunts and music to the Boyne River
Ryall Park will come alive with pirate costumes, treasure hunts, and community spirit as Carman hosts its fifth annual World Rivers Day celebration on Sept. 13.
The event is organized by the Boyne River Keepers in partnership with the Carman and Community Chamber of Commerce and Wheels Car Club, with support from sponsors Access Credit Union Ltd., Toews Printing, and TR-S.
“This is actually our fifth annual World Rivers Day celebration in Carman,” said organizer Tracy Enns. “As we, Boyne River Keepers, are protectors and promoters of the Boyne River, we decided in 2021 to join in the world celebration with our own pirate-themed twist. It was so popular that it stuck, and we expect this to be the biggest year yet. Everybody is encouraged to dress in your favourite pirate garb.”
Festivities will include a river poker derby for kayaks and canoes, alongside a landlubbers’ poker derby hosted by the Chamber. Both run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a $10 entry fee. “There will be five stations on the river where you will draw a card to create your best poker hand,” Enns explained. “On land there will be five or six stations within walking distance. Anyone can take part in either—or both.”
Younger “pirates” can enjoy a treasure hunt and a pirate ship bouncy castle, while Wheels Car Club will host a car show downtown from noon to 4 p.m. A vendor market and food trucks will also be part of the day’s offerings.
Music will play a central role throughout the celebration.
“During the day there will be a music man downtown, and the celebrations will move to the Carman Legion at 5:30 where we will enjoy the live music of the J-Doe Trio,” said Enns.
Beyond the entertainment, the event includes an educational focus.
“We will have people on the river providing information about riparian zones and other things you may have never heard of,” Enns said. Proceeds will go toward the Ryall Park Revitalization project in conjunction with Communities in Bloom.
Enns said the event is designed to bring together people of all ages for a family-friendly day.
“If the weather is better than last year, we expect a large turnout. We also encourage everyone to visit Carman’s stores, restaurants and shops throughout the day,” she said.
One of her favourite memories comes from the inaugural year. “It is great to see so many people in costume and to see so many vessels on the river. One of my favourite memories was floating past Riverview Legion apartments and seeing the residents holding signs of support and waving to us.”
This year, all activities will be centralized at Ryall Park and the adjacent street, with the new Boyne River launch providing the perfect starting point.
