Photo Provided An Ohio Department of Natural Resources representative gives a talk to attendees of a past Ohio River Festival before an electro fish demonstration.

POWHATAN POINT –Vendors, food and educational tables on topics such as beekeeping and electro fishing can be found at this year’s Ohio River Festival.

The event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Powhatan Point Marina. The Belmont Soil & Water Conservation District puts on this educational festival every year for people of all ages to get outdoors and learn about natural resources in Ohio.

“It’s a free event, open to the public, and it’s a family-friendly event,” said Turner Provost, Captina Creek Watershed coordinator at Belmont SWCD. “You have the opportunity to learn about the natural resources we have here in Ohio.”

Attendees can expect to see educational tables spread throughout the marina, including a live electro fishing demonstration from ODNR, which is where a shocking boat will be put out to shock some fish that will then be put into holding tanks. Afterward, attendees can ask questions.

People can practice BB gun shooting at the BB gun range that ODNR will have set up as well, while the Ohio Native Fish Coalition will be there to teach attendees about native fish.

A local beekeeper will be there to talk about bees and beekeeping, while bird lovers can see birds on site at a table from the Ohio Falconry Association.

The Belmont SWCD’s own table will allow visitors to learn about what it does and how it works in the county.

Provost said 200 people joined the festival last year, but he is hoping to increase those numbers this year.

Door prizes, such as a kayak and an outdoor cooking set, will be at stake too. Attendees can win these prizes by signing in and receiving a ticket they can place in any of the categories they’d like to win.

For fishing lovers, free fishing gear will be offered to use and for kayaking lovers, free kayak rentals will be offered.

To take a break to eat, Gringos Tacos will be set up for people to enjoy a meal in between their stops at each table.

Provost emphasized it is a great opportunity to go with family and learn about natural resources and the outdoors.

“A lot of people don’t really have an idea what we do or why we do it, so it’s a good way to get out to the public and teach them about the importance of natural resources,” Provost said.

The SWCD has a Facebook page that provides information and upcoming events.