SPECIAL TO THE ARLINGTON TIMES

ARLINGTON — The 21st Annual Stillaguamish Festival of the River & Pow Wow is coming up.

The event, which takes place starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, and Sunday, Aug. 15, will again be held at River Meadows County Park.

As usual, the festivities will include a Native American Pow Wow open to the general public, arts, crafts and food for attendees to enjoy and live music throughout the two-day event.

The festival is provided and organized by the Stillaguamish Tribe.

“It’s an event that really celebrates the culture of the Pacific Northwest,” said festival coordinator Franchesca Perez.

The mission of the festival is to help people who live in the Stillaguamish watershed and surrounding regions understand how their actions can help make their environment cleaner for people, fish and wildlife.

This year organizers will be celebrating the opening of Port Susan for shellfish harvesting for the first time in more than 20 years.

The state Department of Health closed the bay, located at Warm Beach, in 1987 because of fecal pollution.

To honor the area, festival organizers will also have watershed education exhibits, fly casting and tying instruction and interpretive river and forest walks.

While the event itself is free, attendees can sign up for the Stilly Fun Run, which takes place at 9 a.m. on Aug. 14. Cost for the run will between $10-15.

Organizers will also hold a tribal salmon bake over alder coals. Cost will be about $12 per person.

A number of children’s activities and entertainment will also be available during the festival.

Musical acts are highlighted by the Neville Brothers, who will perform from 8:30-10:30 p.m. on Aug. 14.

Other acts that day include the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Charlie Musselwhite, LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends and Rezmonk Nation.

On Sunday, Aug. 15, Jake Owen takes to the stage from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Emerson Drive, The Band Perry, The Quebe Sisters Band and Mike Gouchie will also be performing earlier that day.

This year organizers have added a second stage for musical acts. Additional acts include but are not limited to Kevin Jones, Gina Sala, Dana Lyons and Aces Up.

All musical performances are free to view.

New to this year is a $5 per car daily parking fee at the park.

The event draws thousands of Northwest residents each year.

River Meadows County Park is located at 20416 Jordan Road, Arlington.