A local family cleans up a lush island – Bean Island, it’s called – in the middle of the Chippewa River and hosts a paddle-up concert for locals to attend and featuring area musicians. It doesn’t get more “Eau Claire” than that!

Shane Leonard, Paul Brandt, Shannon Carey (Luray), Sarah Krueger (Lanue), Cate Lucas and Sarah Magill (Quiet Takes) paddled out to the island with acoustic guitars, folding lawn chairs and gear for an acoustic round-robin set.

Locals were encouraged to canoe, kayak or paddle board to the island from Hobbs Landing or Newell Park in Eau Claire – with pull-out options available along the island. To sweeten the deal, canoe taxis were provided around 12:30pm by local outfitter Eau Claire Outdoors.

And what a sweet scene it was. Upwards of 100 attendees gathered together to enjoy picnic lunches, join in song and honor the rushing waters flowing right beside them.

Local creative and “impractical” artist Ben Holmen has certainly brought a playful charm to the newly christened island setting. Let this be your friendly invitation to float on over – when the river conditions are just right – and soak up the landscape firsthand.

Learn more about the island (or check out the sweet, locally designed, Bean Island merchandise) online at friendsofbeanisland.org.