In the thick of the Blizzard from the 2nd Street Sunflower River Bridge in Clarksdale, MS in the heart of the Mississippi Delta
By DRIFTWOOD JOHNNIE
(John Ruskey is a contributing writer to The Delta Bohemian)
Sat, Feb 19th @ 12 noon — Meeting for Friends of the Sunflower River — at Quapaw Canoe Company — Street level 3rd & Sunflower Ave.
Y’all its that time of year: February is Sunflower River Month! If you’ve never before participated in Sunflower River Month this year you can catch up and join in the fun. (In that spirit — after attending this meeting at noon Sat Feb 19th why not walk around the corner and enjoy some hot chili at Clarksdale’s First Chili Cook-off — sponsored by Stone Pony and Rust! Good Gawd Almighty! Now we’re talking!)
What is Sunflower River Month? It’s a month-long celebration for the sad & neglected & lonely little bluesy river we call our own.
Why February? It’s that time of year that things slow down enough we can take a little extra time to look over the 2nd Street Bridge and gaze at that interesting dark muddy reflective ribbon of fluid magic flowing through downtown Clarksdale. Or maybe a noon-time walk during lunch break? The riverwalk has been closed off to vehicular traffic. Walk across the bridge, or park your car at Soldier’s Field and enjoy a peaceful stroll down the only street in the Mississippi Delta that is reserved for pedestrians only (or bicycles, skate boards, and other self-powered means. PS: if you are driving an ATV or motorbike or any other internal combustion vehicle on the riverwalk you are breaking the law).
Why Walk? It’s peaceful. It’s rejuvenating. It’s good for you. You notice things you’ll never see from your car. At dusk you might notice waves emanating in a distinct v-line as a Beaver noses his way upstream in search of supper. Or you might see a River Otter playfully diving & re-surfacing. You will hear Snow Geese overhead and Blackbirds in the trees. If you’re quiet & keen-eyed you might spy Mr. Red Fox darting into the shadows as his nightly hunt begins. Or maybe catch Mr. Big Horned Owl as he swoops onto the high branches of a bald cypress to stare with those killer eyes at all things that make motions below.
Why the Sunflower? Because its our river.
How about it’s tributaries? This Year we will be making an expedition down the strange and important Sunflower River tributary: The Hushpuckena.
What else is happening? All month there will be events in celebration, education and advocacy concerning the Sunflower River & it’s tributaries. Stay tuned. Interviews forthcoming with Super Chikan’s little brother Ellis Coleman (Legendary Hunter/Fisherman & Riverbank Resident) Mac Crank (Downtown Revitalization Head Guy) and John Mayo (One of our illustrious Representatives). Interviews will appear in upcoming Issues of the Delta Bohemian. I will update other programs as events are confirmed.
Where can I find out more about the Friends? Go to our blogsite http://friends-of-the-sunflower-river.blogspot.com/ Please contact me about adding photos, stories & details.
Isn’t the Sunflower a dirty river? See below for photos and decide yourself what’s dirty and what’s not. All photos taken during Delta Blizzard II within downtown Clarksdale. Why didn’t you see the river from this view? Because you never get out of your car!
A lull in the flurries — looking downstream from below City Hall at the Sunflower River in Clarksdale, MS in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Photo by John Ruskey
Sunrise the morning after — A view of the Sunflower River off the 2nd Street Bridge. Photo by John Ruskey
Morning After — RR Bridge looking down towards the Sunflower River off the Martin Luther King Bridge in Clarksdale, MS. Photo by John Ruskey
Okay, Maybe there are some Dirty Places — The Sewer Pipe Crossing — This is where water level will end up after the weir is constructed — can this be moved? Photo by John Ruskey
We highly encourage comments, y’all!
Great! A weir is coming? Perhaps they can add one on Rolling Fork Creek and Deer Creek.
Yes! Come to the Friends of the Sunflower River Meeting and find out more:
Sat, Feb 19th @ 12noon — Meeting for Friends of the Sunflower River
at Quapaw Canoe Company — Street level 3rd & Sunflower Ave.
In downtown Clarksdale, Mississippi
I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a photo that Chuck Thresto (who is now sadly deceased) took of the Sunflower River with 2 boys fishing on the banks … a very artistic rendering! Come by the house sometime if you are curious and want to see one.
I am curious; miss ya, and might even bring your book back! HA! See ya soon Dear!
Thanks Sue! The Sunflower definitely has an aura about it, and oftentimes an “aroma!” Would love to see that photo. When viewed from down along its banks on a misty morning there is a powerful tragic mood in the scenery, primeval shapes emerging from the mud & mist.