Community members traveled to Barker’s Island in Superior on Sunday to celebrate a part of nature that influences the Twin Ports every single day, Lake Superior.

The celebration has been held on the third Sunday of July since the 1990’s and has become a summer community staple.

“I think what makes it special is that it’s really a community event and it’s focused on this amazing body of water that’s just right next door,” said Ryan Feldbrugge, Education Specialist for the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The event concludes an entire weekend of events on Barker’s Island celebrating Minnesota’s Great Lake.

“Before Lake Superior day started off, North Shore Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Paddle It Forward hosted their seventh annual paddle for their people race. It’s a human powered race around barker’s island. And then also Molly Wick shared her research on a walking tour of Barker’s Island talking about humans’ connection with water,” said Feldbrugge.

Many vendors and local organizations had booths teaching visitors about their work to keep the lake and its wildlife safe, there were crafts and games for families to get in on the action together.

But even when celebrating Mother Nature’s work, weather plays part in the success of the outdoor event.

“Last year we got a torrential downpour, so it’s really nice to have a partly sunny day this year with a nice breeze off the water. That’s been really great for folks visiting and for our vendors,” said Feldbrugge.

This celebration was a great learning experience for those who live on or near the lake but may not know what to do to support, and the information learned at the event will leave an impact on the community for years to come.

“And I have been doing this for seven years and it’s not uncommon for me to see people come back every year. So, I think that says that maybe we’re doing something right.” said Feldbrugge.

For more information on the Lake Superior Estuary, go to Lake Superior Reserve (lakesuperiornerr.org)