It’s a toxin-filled Superfund cleanup site. It’s a fetid ribbon meandering its way through industrial Seattle. And it’s the most important waterway in our city’s history. It’s the Duwamish, which has actually been getting much cleaner in the past four decades as Boeing and other polluters have redirected their pipes and environmental regs have reduced sewage runoff. Much credit also goes to the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, which is sponsoring today’s Duwamish River Festival on the South Park side of the river. The educational and family-oriented event will include food, live music, dancing, children’s activities, and complimentary boat and kayak rides. (Don’t be surprised if you spy a blue heron, eagle, or seal; wildlife is definitely making a comeback.) There’s also a 9 a.m. participation event ($20-$35), with a scenic walk starting at Alki, kayaks departing from Seacrest Park, and bikers leaving the start/finish at Duwamish Waterway Park (7900 10th Ave. S.) for a leisurely tourist loop through Georgetown and South Park (both with relatively light traffic during that hour of the morning). BRIAN MILLER

Sat., Aug. 25, 12-4 p.m., 2012