The Haw River Festival is Saturday, May 3, from 4 to 8 P.M. Though it is located in Saxapahaw, which is outside of Chapel Hill/Carrboro, many listeners and readers of Chapelboro.com are in the Haw River watershed, which covers eight counties. The watershed includes not only the river but also every creek, stream, and puddle. We have a vested interest.
Emily Sutton is the Haw Riverkeeper, and she’s wonderful at her job of education and advocacy. Not to mention she cleans out the river’s “trash traps” with the best of them! Yet, I’m reminded of the concept of a priesthood of all believers, meaning that, while clergy have specific roles, every person has a ministry and a calling. Without threatening Emily’s job, everyone who finds beauty and meaning at the Haw is a riverkeeper.
If you venture to the festival this Saturday, you’ll find folks of a kaleidoscope of colors, persuasions, and backgrounds. You’ll find children and children at heart, people who are never more carefree than when they talk about why they love the Haw River…