We’ll all have a special chance to be extra cool on the Colorado Riverfront Trail this coming Saturday, September 12, from 10 am. to 1:30 pm. for the second annual Robb River Rally. The event will be held at the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, the crown jewel of the Riverfront Trail system. It's located at 7^th Street and the Riverside Parkway – where 7^th Street meets Nature!

The Robb River Rally is a community event designed to keep Jim Robb’s vision alive – a vision to provide open, continuous access to the Colorado River corridor through the Grand Valley.

Robb envisioned numerous small park picnic and fishing areas, as well as a handicap accessible walkway open to bicycles, walkers, horseback riders (where appropriate), moms with baby strollers, kids on inline skates, bird watchers with binoculars ... in other words, all of us.

Jim was instrumental in creating a “string of pearls,” five distinct sections that have become a unique state park. He was a Grand Junction civic leader, former State Parks board member and chair, an elected representative and champion of state parks.

Robb also helped create the Colorado Riverfront Foundation, which, along with Colorado State Parks and local communities, are involved in building a 35-mile river corridor trail system from Island Acres in the middle of De Beque Canyon, to the Fruita Section of the state park.

It's that Riverfront Trail that we're celebrating, and you should too. Events throughout the day include guided bike rides to Corn Lake and Connected Lakes, history tours along the river, nature walks and free float trips from Catfish Canoe Company.

Musical entertainment at the Elizabeth B. Harris Botanical Gardens amphitheater will be provided by Walt Smith and Jeff Pine. Food and beverage concessions will be at hand for this family affair.

Visitors can stop by one of the many informational booths set up at the amphitheater and around Watson Island. Manning those booths will be representatives of the Tamarisk Coalition, the Botanical Gardens, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Grand Valley Audubon, Colorado State Parks, Mesa County Search and Rescue and local cycling shops.

As a special feature, the Western Colorado Math and Science Center will provide a nature and exploratory area for children of all ages to learn more about river biodiversity and ecology.

All events and activities are free. For more information call the Riverfront Commission office at 683-4333.