The Dungeness River Festival, Sept. 25-27, is growing. Last year, nearly 3,000 attended this celebration of the water, wildlife and bounty of the river's watershed, held at Railroad Bridge Park, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road, in Sequim.

"The festival began in the 1990s as a one-day event to help students and adults understand the importance of our watershed," said co-chairwoman Lyn Muench.

In 2004, it became a two-day event held every other year and now it's grown into a full-fledged annual three-day festival. The Dungeness River Audubon Center at Railroad Bridge Park hosts the River Festival with the help of many dedicated volunteers.

"The festival makes environmental education fun and memorable and that's part of the River Center's mission" Muench said.

On Sept. 25, hundreds of elementary school children, teachers and parents will fill the park for hands-on environmental activities. Exhibitors will include nearly all the local, state, federal, tribal and nonprofit entities active in the Dungeness watershed.

Each exhibitor is asked to provide an educational activity related to nature and the environment. The Sound Waves, The Five Acre School marimba band, also will perform on Friday.

In addition to nature exhibits and activities for all ages, Sept. 25-26 will feature music, dancing, walks, talks, arts, crafts and food. On Friday evening, the Northwest Raptor Center will present birds of prey in the Sequim High School cafeteria. The one-year anniversary show for the Olympic Driftwood Sculptors Club will be held in the River Center on Sept. 26-27. Also on Sunday, The Sauer Kraut German Deli & Bakery will provide delicacies for Brunch by the Bridge.

To receive an exhibitor or vendor application, contact Muench at 452-6100 or lyn

muench@olypen.com. Those interested in volunteering at the festival should contact Gretha Davis at 681-8013 or gretha.d@wavecable.com. Information on lodging discounts and the festival schedule are available at www.

DungenessRiverFestival.org.