A traditional Wampanoag mishoon and Native American culture take center stage at The Westport River Watershed Alliance's annual River Day festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this coming Saturday, June 24 at the Head of Westport.

The mishoon, a Native American canoe made from a single pine log, was built by members of the Wampanoag Experience at the Westport Town Farm over a seven-day period last month. Carved out with fire, the mishoon took its maiden voyage late last month, when it was trailered to the Hix Bridge Landing and paddled upriver to the Head.

Saturday's River Day is being held in cooperation with the Westport Land Conservation Trust and is free and open to the public. The Wampanoag Experience group will be well represented, with a 1:30 p.m. dedication of the mishoon. Other Native American traditions will be on display, with Native dance and drumming in the morning, and crafts and exhibits all day. There will also be many nature-oriented activities for children, as well as more than 30 local vendors and non-profit exhibitors.

Inside, the River Center will be open for viewing of the fish aquariums, the high powered microscope and interactive sand table.

Food and drink will be offered for sale, and free parking is available just up Old County Road at the Westport High School. A free shuttle service provided by the Westport Senior Center will run to and from the Head every 10 minutes, and River Day organizers encourage people to use the free service to prevent traffic backups.