A River Runs Through It

Along the Miami River in the ’80s, it wasn’t uncommon to see bloated human bodies, Santería offerings, and criminal activity. It was one giant toxic dump, and back then the idea of hosting a festival on the river would have been sacrilege. But coming up on its 15th year, Saturday’s...

By Sebastian del MÃ¡rmol

March 24, 2011

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Along the Miami River in the ’80s, it wasn’t uncommon to see bloated human bodies, Santería offerings, and criminal activity. It was one giant toxic dump, and back then the idea of hosting a festival on the river would have been sacrilege. But coming up on its 15th year, Saturday’s Miami Riverday is everything the city’s central water artery should be: fun, frolicky, and free. There’s still a lot of action, legal and otherwise, on the river, but today new buildings and life dot the winding waterway. The festival takes place at Lummus Park and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities includes free river boat rides, historical re-enactments by more than 50 actors, and live music from Iko-Iko, Luis Bofill & Band, and Lanny Smith & the Earthman Project. During the festival, explore Miami’s oldest home, the Wagner Homestead, built in 1856. And get a look at the native oolitic limestone of Fort Dallas, Miami’s first courthouse, which also served as slave quarters for the William English Plantation. Food will be available from river staples such as Garcia’s and Casablanca’s, and there will be kids’ activities and prizes.
Sat., April 2, 11 a.m., 2011

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