We Shall Gather by the River

Launching one of Lon’s recycled kayaks in 2015. Note the license plates and crutches for the paddles.

Grandma always said that fresh air and sunshine were good for what ails you. And modern studies have documented that even small regular doses of nature improve our mental agility, strengthen our immune systems, improve healing, reduce anxiety, upgrade learning capability, and show that Grandma was right. Children especially benefit from vitamin N.

So where do you go and what do you do? Here is a ready-made opportunity that is especially kid-friendly. Plan on seizing the day at Iowa City Park on July 16. A sampling of morning events includes Joan Schnable, the owl lady, who will bring several of her feathered friends along. And Joe Artz, the archeologist, who will share the significance of those old objects one finds along our rivers. I will bring those kayaks I made from recycled junk and maybe we’ll race them if there are enough bold folks who know how to swim. And check out the hands-on fishing tips.

At midday there is Picnic In The Park – bring your own or purchase from vendors. And the entertainment is real singing by real people, in spite of the group’s name – Family Folk Machine.

In the afternoon, more events, including early American games that people actually played, before the internet, even before Mr. Bell and his telephone, according to Cherie Haury-Artz. And Shawn Hawks will be there with, what else, but some live raptors. The wrap up for the day will be Judy Joyce with hands-on demos on how to cook and eat carp. No kidding, they have been an important food fish in Europe and Asia for millennia. Come and taste what you have been missing – Carpe Diem!!!!

For details, including more events: Seize the Carp pdf

Check out last year’s video of Seize the Carp: