The Kwoorabup River Festival invites all to celebrate the heritage of Denmark River

A celebration of the heritage of Denmark’s Kwoorabup River will take place this Saturday in a special community gathering.

A welcome to country will mark the start of the Kwoorabup River Festival including community singing led by Denmark’s vocal talents Rhian Bethen and Ashley Schipp of the Understory, at 10am.

A dragon boat race will be the first water sport of the celebration followed by guided walking tours led by Menang-Noongar elder Vernice Gillies and Menang-Noongar man Larry Blight who will share traditional stories of the river bank and its flora and fauna.

Mr Blight will also share his extensive knowledge of local bush foods, medicines and traditions, joined by members of Denmark Bird Group to help spot the thriving birdlife along the waterway.

Kayakers are encouraged to take part in the kayak “fun run” for a one kilometre return journey from Berridge Park jetty.

At the same time, a stand-up paddleboard 300m sprint race in front of Berridge Park will provide family entertainment.

Festival-goers will test the water in a 1.2km swim down to the Rail Trail Bridge divided into two groups — competitive and leisure.

Junior kayak and stand-up paddleboarding races will take place over lunch when Denmark’s Gin Lao food van will provide for the weary swimmers and paddlers.

At 1pm, Denmark Rowers are providing handcrafted St Ayles skiffs for a round-robin competition of short pursuit races with teams of four rowers in front of Berridge Park, while an experienced hand remains on the helm to steer them out of trouble.

Denmark Rowers’ Dave Cliff is offering St Ayles skiff training sessions before the festival for those eager to have a go.

A small band of inventors will take on the inaugural Kwoorabup Cordless Drill Boat Challenge for the final event in which entrants will trial their propulsion system using 18-volt cordless drills to power a suitable small craft.

A knockout series will determine the fastest electric boat as they race around a short course.

For more information go to www.denmarkrowers.org.au and activity entry details can be found at denmarkrowers.org.au/blog/kwoorabup-river-festival.