From tubers to community planners, the much-loved but often-ignored Chippewa River is getting a closer look from a lot of folks here in the Valley that boasts its name. That rising swell of river-focused love will bubble up this weekend in the form the Celebrate the Chippewa River event Saturday morning at Hobbs Ice Arena as well as at the nearby boat landing. The event – subtitled “Spend the Morning With Our World Class River” – will include speakers, exhibits, and videos about the river, as well as some fishing in it. Sadly, several on-the-river paddling events planned as part of the celebration had to be canceled because of rising water levels. “The forecasts call for a beautiful fall day, but a little too much river,” says organizer Sean Hartnett, a UW-Eau Claire geography professor. “Still a great day to celebrate the river from the safety of the Hobbs landing and marvel at a big river moving a lot of water.”

Indoor activities and exhibits will run from 8am to noon in the lobby of Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie St. Legendary local outdoors broadcaster and writer Dave Carlson will speak at 9:45am, followed by retired Department of Natural Resources ecologist Randy Hoffman. Exhibits about the river’s history, a slide show of Chippewa River eagles, a lumber mill replica, and posters displaying UWEC students’ river-related research will also be on display. Outside at the boat landing, experts will demonstrate fishing to kids at 9:30 and 10:30 and DNR personnel will demonstrate fish shocking. Everything is free, and the event is sponsored by the Geography and Anthropology Simpson Fund, UW-Eau Claire, and the City of Eau Claire. To learn more check out our event listing.