Celebrating Water, Community, and Creativity in Northfield
Last summer, Bridge Square was alive with color, joy, and community spirit as Northfield residents gathered for Nuestra Agua, Nuestras Vidas, an event hosted by Clean River Partners in collaboration with Healthfinders Collaborative and the City of Northfield. With the motto "Our Water, Our Lives," the event aimed to deepen connections with the local Latine community while raising awareness about important water-related issues impacting everyone in Northfield.
At the heart of the festival was a commitment to education and community engagement. A variety of water-themed activities filled the day, from interactive stations focused on stormwater pollution prevention and water conservation to opportunities for firsthand feedback on Northfield’s drinking water. The festival provided a lively backdrop for learning, with local artists, informative displays, and even delicious tacos from El Triunfo — supporting a beloved local restaurant while nourishing the attendees.
One of the event's highlights was a collaborative mural activity led by local artist Rocky Casillas Aguirre, where both children and adults were encouraged to express their creativity.
“I was hoping to see more people downtown, but there are many things that could've affected turnout,” Rocky remarked.
His observation pointed to a larger issue of visibility and accessibility for multicultural gatherings in Northfield. Yet, he saw Nuestra Agua, Nuestras Vidas as a foundational step in building a bridge, hoping that more Latino-friendly events would encourage higher turnout in the future.
Interactions throughout the festival showcased the joy of creativity and connection. Rocky shared a memorable encounter with a young boy who had recently moved from Ukraine. The child, despite the language barrier, was captivated by the mural painting activity, effortlessly creating a vivid orange fish.
“He just sat and started painting away,” Rocky recalled fondly. “He seemed to enjoy the activity and was thankful for being given a chance to paint.”
The success of Nuestra Agua, Nuestras Vidas is a testament to our collective efforts. It fostered a sense of inclusion and camaraderie and increased awareness of water issues crucial to the health of the environment and residents alike. Rocky emphasized that events like this are essential for a diverse community like Northfield: “Creating events centered on themes that bring people together cross-culturally is important. I hope more events like these can continue to be hosted.” The fun will continue with another event in August 2025.
