Last week, over 400 students from 3rd through 5th grade in surrounding schools gathered at Kettle Falls Swim Beach area and Sherman Creek Hatchery to participate in this year’s Water Festival. Students enjoyed hands-on educational experiences covering a range of topics connected to water and Lake Roosevelt, including fish and wildlife, water quality, invasive species, and boating safety.
We were inspired to see so many children learning directly from nature and exploring the environment they call home. The festival was a wonderful opportunity for students, educators, and community partners to teach, play, and discover together.
Local teachers shared enthusiastic feedback about the event. Candy Kristovich, a K–8 teacher at Quartzite Learning in Chewelah, WA, reflected on the value of the experience:
“Our students (and staff!) are always excited to attend the Water Festival at the beginning of the school year. It’s great for the kids to see all the community partners and learn about what they do and to participate in engaging activities to learn about the ecosystems in their own backyard and good stewardship. Thank you all for your efforts!”
Karen McCue, a teacher at Orient Elementary, echoed this sentiment, sharing a memorable moment from her classroom:
“The Water Festival is a wonderful event. Thank you! One of my students wrote 2 ½ pages in his journal the next day. He described all the activities and said how much fun it was. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
These kinds of reactions remind us why the Water Festival continues to be such a meaningful tradition. We’re grateful not only to the students who bring their curiosity and energy, but also to the dedicated teachers who help make the experience so impactful. A heartfelt thank you to the following tribes and agencies who have made the Water Festival possible for over twenty years: Avista, Colville Confederated Tribes, Ferry Conservation District, National Park Service, National Weather Service, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Stevens Conservation
District, Stevens County Public Utility District, US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife, WA Department of Natural Resources, and WA State Parks.
