The Dungeness River Festival, set for Sept. 25-27, is growing.

Last year nearly 3,000 attended this celebration of the water and wildlife at Railroad Bridge Park, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road.

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

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

The Dungeness River Audubon Center at Railroad Bridge Park hosts the River Festival with the help of volunteers.

On Friday, Sept. 25, hundreds of elementary school children, teachers and parents are expected to fill the park doing hands-on environmental activities. Exhibitors include 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, are scheduled to perform that day.

In addition to nature exhibits and activities, Friday and Saturday events feature music, dancing, walks, talks, arts, crafts and food.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, the Northwest Raptor Center presents "Birds of Prey" in the cafeteria of Sequim High School, 601 N. Sequim Ave.

The one-year anniversary show for the Olympic Driftwood Sculptors Club will fill the River Center building Saturday and Sunday.

Also on Sunday, The Sauer Kraut German Deli & Bakery provides brunch near the Railroad Bridge.

To receive an exhibitor or vendor application, contact Muench at 452-6100 or by e-mail: lynmuench@olypen.com.

Those interested in volunteering at the festival should contact Gretha Davis at 681-8013 or by e-mail: gretha.d@wavecable.com.

A festival schedule is available at www.Dungeness RiverFestival.org.