Boaters, tubers, bikers and skaters are invited to celebrate the Animas River reopening Tuesday with a parade.

“The community feels a sense of relief the river is open again,” said Peter Schertz, who is helping to organize the event.

Every type of river craft, private and commercial, is welcome. The celebration is also planned to spill out onto the river trail, and all the local landlubbers are invited to be part of the procession all the way to Rotary Park.

“It affected the whole community, and we want the whole community to participate,” said Andy Corra, an owner of 4 Corners Riversports.

The pollution from the Gold King Mine closed the river for eight days. It ended the rafting season for commercial outfitters and sparked cancellations for lodgers and commercial fishing guides.

The effect has rippled across the whole community. But now, Corra and others are encouraging the community to move forward.

“Lets try and put the whole week behind us and end it on a positive note,” he said.

While Corra acknowledged work remains to reclaim Siverton mines, such as the Gold King, he is hopeful the recent spill will lead to action.

“The silver lining, I think, is awareness and doing something to address the problem long term,” he said.

Those who choose to participate should wash with soap and water if they come into contact with orange sediment or discolored standing water.

The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at 32nd Street, and it will end at Rotary Park.

For more information, call 4 Corners River Sports at 259-3893 or visit facebook.com/4CornersRiversports.

mshinn@durangoherald.com