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HAMILTON — What started out as an educational opportunity has turned into one of the area's largest festivals and an international sporting event.

"When this first started, we really just wanted to do something to raise awareness of the river," said Debra Fescina Rulon, spokesperson for Great Miami River Days, taking place this weekend on a blocked-off Neilan Boulevard in Hamilton. "But it's grown into something much bigger than that."

So in addition to the stated mission to encourage the community to better appreciate and protect the Great Miami River, the festival will provide two full days of entertainment and host the American Power Boat Association's North American Championship, a step up from the qualifying event that took place at GMRD in 2007.

"All of the teams enjoyed the 2007 tour visit," said Sherron Winer, spokesperson for the APBA. "The park facilities made conducting the race easy, but it was the dedication of the local volunteers that made this location a circuit favorite."

Great Miami River Days will also feature historical encampments and re-enactments, an entertainment stage with headliners Doug Hollister and Stagger Lee and a children's entertainment area.

"Activities like this regional celebration are vital to the health of our community," said Adrian Breen, spokesperson for event sponsor First Financial Bank. "It's a great place to relax, enjoy entertainment, and meet friends and family."

River awareness and educational exhibitors include the Butler County Storm water District, Butler County Stream Team/Twin Creek Watershed, the The Butler County Stream Team (a volunteer organization that monitors water quality in the streams of Butler County by collecting and analyzing water samples), the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District, Friends of the Great Miami River, Rivers Unlimited, the Ground Water Consortium, Hueston Woods State Park and the Hamilton Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.

Other festival highlights include an all-new 50-ton sand sculpture with the theme "The Wonders of Water," a "Gathering by the River" with more than 100 historical re-enactors with displays focusing on the lifestyle during the Civil War, Native American storytellers, a nature center, a scavenger hunt with prizes for children and a 200-gallon aquarium with native fish.

How to go

WHAT: Great Miami River Days

WHERE: Neilan Boulvard between Knightsbridge Drive and Williams Ave., Hamilton

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7

COST: Free

MORE INFO: www.greatmiamiriverdays.org

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Rowlands — Natural Science Song and Dance Man, 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Drag boats, 10 a.m.

Jack Blosser of the Ohio Mekoce

Shawnee tribe, 10 a.m.

History talks by Generals Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, 10:05 a.m.

Grand Entry of Native American re-enactors, 11 a.m.

Wayne Davis Band, Noon

WFWA Jetski Show from Typhoon Tommy and Rambo Rosie, 12:30 p.m.

Native Flute by Janice "Sunflower" Tryten, 12:30 p.m.

Partners in Prime Hana Hou Hula Dancers, 12:40

Badgerland Water Ski Show Team, 1 p.m.

Loop Man Dan, 2 p.m.

Ohio 5th Light Artillery Unit demonstration, 2 p.m.

APR Superleague Tunnel Boat Racing North American Championship, 2 p.m.

Cincinnati Cloggers, 2:30 p.m.

Civil War Battle Re-enactment, 3 p.m.

Heavenly Grass, 3:15 p.m.

Doug Hollister, 4:30 p.m.

Badgerland Water Ski Show Team, 4:30 p.m.