Menominee River Water Celebration!
A FREE event, open to the public, to protect our water and sacred sites from the threat posed by the Back Forty Mine project.
The 2nd annual Water Celebration was held on July 16 at 12:00 noon at Stephenson Island, 1680 Bridge St., Marinette, WI, to celebrate and bless the Menominee River – with participation by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, the Indigenous Caucus of the Western Mining Action Network, and the Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River, Inc.
A special ceremony will be held by members of the Menominee Nation to bless the waters of the Menominee River – which is their namesake River and the location of many sites sacred to the Tribe.
The celebration continued with updates on the mining threat facing the Menominee River, including a keynote speaker and longtime environmental advocate Dr. Al Gedicks of the Wisconsin Resources Protection Council.
Music – Larry Mullins & band presented river songs and showcased a custom-built guitar that was raffled off at 3:30 p.m. This guitar was handcrafted by Warren McKenney and appraised at $4,500! Proceeds from ticket sales go to support the mission of the Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River, Inc.
John Wills and Dave Ebsch (Goodfellas) began their collaboration in the winter of 2013 and have played almost every music venue in the Menominee-Marinette area.
Their music is a mixed bag, which includes old standards — which their nursing home audiences love — to vintage rock, country, and a little contemporary influence as well.
They have entertained a wide variety of audiences from young to old. They have played at local eateries, bars, country clubs, business parties, and reunions, as well as a wedding or two.
Dorothy’s Haven of Hope will provide food at the event. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, soda, and water will be available for sale, as a fundraiser for Haven of Hope.
The event concluded with a Bridge Walk – mine protestors walking with signs to show opposition to plans that could endanger sacred sites and the health of both the River and residents or visitors to the area.