The Mineral County Rec Club invites community groups, nonprofits, clubs, school organizations and individuals from across Mineral County to help bring a new attraction to this year's River Street Festival by hosting games in a community Carnival Kids Zone.

The carnival will be held Saturday, July 11, alongside the River Street Festival and Great SUP Sprint paddleboard races. 

Organizers hope the new Kids Zone will provide a fun, family-friendly addition to the annual event while giving local organizations an opportunity to raise money for their programs. Groups can host carnival-style games, set their own prices and keep 100 percent of the proceeds they earn. Organizations with enough volunteers are also welcome to operate multiple games. 

The fundraising opportunity is open to club sports, school organizations, youth programs, recreation groups, nonprofits and individuals raising money for community projects or activities. Game hosts are encouraged to keep activities simple, fun and family-friendly. Participants will be responsible for supplying prizes, although organizers recommend seeking donations or sponsorships to help cover those costs.

Set-up will take place on the evening of July 10 and the morning of July 11. Carnival games will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along River Street and on the lawn of the Old Superior School. Volunteers are encouraged to ensure their booths remain staffed or secure if they plan to participate in paddleboard races or other festival activities.

In addition to the carnival, the River Street Festival will feature a River Trail Run, morning yoga, a community market, paddleboard races, food vendors, family activities and more. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony at Durango's.

The Mineral County Rec Club said the event is designed to be welcoming and accessible to everyone. While participating groups are encouraged to share information about their organizations, organizers ask that all activities remain free of political messaging and reflect the event's focus on inclusion, recreation, community and access for all.

To help avoid duplicate games, organizers will maintain a shared planning document listing activities that have already been claimed and will also assist groups in developing game ideas. 

“We would love to have your organization be part of this exciting community event,” said MCRC President, Bessie Spangler. Organizations or individuals interested in hosting a carnival game or learning more can contact the Mineral County Rec Club at [email protected].