The Boyne River will be the star of the show this weekend as the community of Carman gears up to celebrate World Rivers Day with a full slate of family-friendly activities, pirate-themed fun, and even a chance to win a kayak. Why World Rivers Day matters “Well, it's celebrated. It's bringing awareness to the natural resources that we have, the importance of the water that we have, education, and World Rivers Day is celebrated in over 100 countries around the world,” said Tracy Enns of the Boyne River Keepers. “And five years ago, we decided it was time that we join the party.” Enns admits her enthusiasm for the Boyne River runs deep. “I know it seems kind of funny that I get so pumped about this little stream that runs through Carman, but I kind of love it. And you know what? We need to protect our waterways.” Kayaks, Car Shows, and a Pirate Poker Derby This year’s celebration at Ryall Park features a mix of land and water activities designed to bring the community together. “Couple different poker derbies. There is a pirate poker derby and a landlubber's poker derby,” Enns explained. “Not everybody has a kayak or a canoe or something like that. So we wanted to do one on land as well.” Participants in the derby can pay $10 to try their luck. “You get to go to these five different stations where you will pick a card out of the deck. And at the end, whoever makes the best poker hand will win. For the river one, you actually win a kayak.” The fun doesn’t stop there. “Wheels Car Club, we're happy to partner with them again. However, their big event in...June, was rained out. So this has turned into their big event of the year,” Enns said. Families can also expect a treasure hunt, a pirate ship bouncy castle, and plenty of food trucks starting at 11 a.m. Evening entertainment and community support The festivities will wrap up with live music at the Carman Legion. “Live music from J-Doe Trio at 6pm,” Enns confirmed. Funds raised will support the Ryall Park Rejuvenation Program. “It needs a little bit of maintenance. I'm going to put some work into the grounds, maybe put some wheelchair accessible walkways and things like that,” said Enns. She added that Carman itself is worth celebrating. “It's a great community of people. It's, I think it's a beautiful town. In addition to the river, we have a beautiful walkway. I think it's a 5K through trees and bush and downtown. We have music and we have the sports and yeah, it's great.” World Rivers Day in Carman takes place Saturday, September 13th at Ryall Park beginning at 11 a.m., with events running throughout the afternoon and live music into the evening.