The Texas Wild Rice Festival was held here in San Marcos this weekend -- an ambitious undertaking inspired by the San Marcos River, which is home to several endangered species and is the centerpiece of the oldest continuously inhabited spot in North America. Texas Wild Rice only grows in one place on earth: the upper 3 miles of the San Marcos River -- the segment of the river that flows through town.
I grew up here in San Marcos, and like so many other native "San Martians" have developed a love for the river that is both ecological and spiritual. While some people go to church to get in touch with the divine, for me there is no more effective way to do that than to go down to the banks of the river, take off my shoes, stick my feet into the water and feel the pulse of the river as it pumps up through the springs upstream. Knowing that people have lived beside these waters for thousands of years makes it an easy spot to feel a sense of continuity, of connection with the ancient. Knowing that the river is home to unique species of plants and animals lends it a sense of wonder.
It warmed my heart to see so many people from so many different backgrounds coming together to celebrate all aspects of the river. Locals performed songs and poems about it, several different environmental groups were there to discuss water conservation and habitat preservation, a group representing the indigenous cultures was there to highlight the history of the area, artists were selling their wares inspired by nature in general and the river in particular. There was a drum circle, hoop dancing lessons, fire dancing lessons, yoga and breathwork sessions -- a multifaceted event that brought all kinds of people, from young hippies to more mature ecology experts, together for a common cause.
Plus the mayor, who had promised to float down the river in an inner tube wearing a suit if the organizers met their online fundraising goal, did just that. Who doesn't love a city official in a suit and red sneakers chillin' in the middle of the river?
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| San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero, making good on a promise and wearing sensible footwear |
Here are a few more pictures from the festival:
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| Near the Communi-Tea Area on the festival grounds |
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| Handling critters! |
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| Dr. Jim Kimmel sings and speaks about rivers |
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| The Texas Horned Lizard Exhibit |
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| Part of the Habitat Conservation Plan, an effort involving several entities including the City of San Marcos and Texas State University |
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