Free fest features family fun in Arlington

ARLINGTON – If you want the “Lowdown” on this year’s Stillaguamish Festival of the River, you’ll be doing the “Lido Shuffle” Aug. 11.

Legendary group Boz Scaggs will perform that Sunday night at 8 as part of the 30th annual event, which is free this year to celebrate that milestone. The event promises more free entertainment this year.

Other major performers include: On Saturday, Megs McLean at 4 p.m., Thompson Square at 5:30 and Lee Brice at 8.

On Sunday, Big Brother and the Holding Company at 4 p.m. and War at 5:30.

A second stage will provide even more entertainment.

Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. will be Peter Ali & Swil Kanim and then Sarvey Wildlife. Also Saturday: David Nellis 12:30 p.m.; Espe Road 2; Whitewing 3:30; Kaeli Earle Trio 5; and JP Falcon Band 6:30.

Sunday: Tim McHugh and Family 12:30 p.m.; Dana Lyons 2; Havila 3:30; Bandzandt 5; and Naughty Blokes 6:30.

Always a highlight is the logging show, set for 3 p.m. both days. It includes pole climbing, ax throwing, chain saw cutting, and more.

Storytellers under their tent will include: Uri Israel, Johnny Moses and Harvest Moon.

The Pow Wow will include Native American dancers from all over. Grand entries are at 1:30 and 6:30, with hand drum contest at 4:30 Saturday. Sunday, grand entry is at 1 p.m., outgoing royalty at 2 and jackpot dance at 3.

There will be fun crafts for kids and also a Kid Zone with a zipline, petting zoo and more.

A 5K Fun Run also takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday, with check in and registration from 7:30-8:30. Cost is only $15 and includes a t-shirt, $10 for those under 18.

Dozens of craft vendors also will be selling their wares, and various food booths will be on hand, along with a salmon dinner from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The festival’s mission is to help locals understand how their actions can help make their environment healthier for people, fish and wildlife and to introduce people to Native American traditional dances and culture. Stillaguamish tribe natural resource biologist will give tours of the river. Visitors can learn about salmon, water quality and wildlife in Puget Sound.

Call 360-547-2687 to volunteer. For details go to www.festivaloftheriver.com

The location is River Meadows County Park, 20416 Jordan Road. In previous years, lines of cars to enter the park have been much shorter coming from the south.

Gates open at 10 a.m. both days.