The largest series of clean water events in the country has almost arrived! With over 25 amazing events over 5 days (June 19-23), there's something for everyone as we celebrate our river and ignite our future. Here are 10 reasons we're jazzed about Cuyahoga50 Anniversary Week!
-
Milestones. Of course we're marking a milestone 50 years in the making, but we'll also be celebrating project milestones. NEORSD, Canalway Partners, City of Cleveland, and many partners will dedicate critical Cuyahoga River infrastructure and break ground on the last leg of the Towpath Trail. The river is also on it's way to becoming an official "water trail" -- learn more June 21 in Cuyahoga Valley National Park or June 22 at Rivergate Park.
- Recreation. June 22nd will be a celebration of recreation, RAIN or SHINE. Rivergate Park will be the hub for Blazing Paddles, a regatta, and a float (with historic photo op at 1pm!). The 4 Miles 4 Water run leaves from Nautica in the morning. And round out your night with the Burning River lighted Boat Parade.
3. The Bridge. The Annual Veteran's Memorial Bridge & Subway Tour is June 22, 10am-11pm. This free, self-guided tour has it all -- incredible views of the Cuyahoga, immersive lighting exhibits, Brad Masi's film "Streetcar City", entertainment, food trucks, and a chance to weigh in on the bridge's future. Can't wait til Saturday? Register for a special Wednesday night preview. Just remember your ID and flat shoes.
4. Visual Arts. The Cleveland Foundation's Creative Fusion will be on full display this week. From the bridge (see #3!) and the Cleveland Print Room to the new Riverview Welcome Center, you're in for a treat. Plus, don't miss two extraordinary exhibits at Cleveland Museum of Art and more.
5. Music. Enjoy great music, everyday, throughout the city. Wednesday brings you blues and Juneteenth at Wade Oval, Thursday is Eric Roberson at Music Box, Friday and Saturday night is Burning River Fest, and Sunday is the Rock Hall!
6. Science & Innovation. Nine Erie Hack finalists compete for a $100k innovation challenge aimed at addressing Lake Erie's most pressing problems. Oh, and check out the aquarium on Saturday and FREE day at Great Lakes Science Center this Sunday.
7. Sustainable Transportation. Saturday, June 22nd is so special the entire RTA system will be FREE! And once you get downtown, free Lolly the Trolleys (see page 4 for map) the water taxi will take it from there. Cyclists can rent from Ohio City Bike Co-op (next to Rivergate Park) and all major event locations have racks.
8. Cuyahoga River. The entire 100 miles, that is. Starting today, Ojibwe elder Sharon Day is leading a 4-day river walk to carry sacred water from Cuyahoga's headwaters to its mouth. Likewise, the Xtinguish Torch Fest begins at the headwaters on Wednesday with a Native American water blessing and culminates in Rivergate Park on Saturday. Enjoy festivals in Kent, Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park along the way.
9. History. There's no shortage of history to learn from. Cleveland History Days kicks off 10 days of tours on June 21st, and the Foundry is hosting Dr. John Hartig on June 22nd to share how the fire helped transform Cleveland's flats and influence national policy.
10. The Next 50. What can we learn from this history to ignite our future? On Thursday, reserve your seat to hear from 10 global water innovators at PechaKucha Night. River Rally, a national conference for water champions, is here. And on Friday, head to the convention center for City Club's State of the Great Lakes, where three leading thinkers tackle climate change. It's FREE, but register here.
Bonus #11. Sorry, one more. Above all, we're excited about honoring the people, who over the last 50 years have committed their lives to cleaning up our water and helping ignite a national movement. As Sustainable Cleveland celebrates the Year of People, we invite you to show us your sustainability by participating in the #SustainableCLE Photo Contest. And invite your friends and family to CLE this weekend for special offers and surprises.
View and download the full event guide here
See the Cuyahoga50 video and Facebook event
Thank You to our Sponsors and Partners
Cuyahoga50 would not be possible without the partnership and expertise from organizations across Northeast Ohio. A special THANK YOU for the generosity of all the Cuyahoga50 sponsors.
The Steering Committee has also worked hard to ensure all of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio feels a sense of participation and pride in the celebration of Cleveland's progress, rich history, and bright future while highlighting the need for determined action going forward.