Heart of the Dunes 2009

Visit Tsalila: The Umpqua River Festival

Published: Thursday, June 4th, 2009 The festival with the funny-looking name, Tsalila is part entertainment, part education and all fun. It's free, open to the public, and attracts some of the biggest crowds of the festivals featured during the summer.

Actually, Tsalila is a year-round effort designed to connect people with the history and environment that surrounds the Umpqua River. The festival celebrates the return of the salmon to the river. It features displays and activities, traditional Native American drumming and dancing, crafts, storytellers, various music and excellent food, such as the traditionally prepared salmon, at left. A complete Indian village is set up, with demonstrations by members of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.

Activities at Rainbow Plaza and nearby Umpqua Discovery Center, on the waterfront, are focused on watershed restoration and salmon recovery.

For info: Umpqua Discovery Center, 409 Riverfront Way; (541) 271-4816; http://www.tsalila.com.
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