Barrel walk and monster party report and photos!

On July 19, more than 100 people marked Lake Superior Day with a march and rally on Canal Park in Duluth to draw attention to the scandal of Cold War-era military waste in Lake Superior. NAWC was well represented, along with members of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Duluth American Indian Commission, Lake Superior Greens, Grandmothers for Peace, Veterans for Peace, and activists from both UMD and the College of St Scholastica.

The march wound for 2 miles through Canal Park, Bayfront and the Lakewalk. Curious tourists and locals alike were eager to take fliers and shocked to learn that toxic military waste was still polluting our beautiful lake. The rally took place right on the beach, and passersby swelled our numbers into the hundreds. Poet and activist Ellie Schoenfeld emceed the rally, which featured Nukewatch co-director John LaForge and Red Cliff bandmember Katie Bresette. Rachael Kilgour and Robi Myerson brought their soulful music to the picturesque rally. Fox 21 aired a comprehensive and friendly story that night.

Joel and Cheré at the Toxic Monster Mash... read more after the jump
(photos by Cheré Suzette Bergeron and Bonnie Urfer).

The Red Cliff Band will soon begin sediment testing near the barrel dump sites, with a goal of recovering and testing 70 barrels before the end of the year. The Band is hosting an educational session about its barrel project this Saturday in Red Cliff and on August 5 in Duluth.

John LaForge addresses the crowd as the walk begins from the Duluth canal.

Bike pirates Alex and Emily supplied walkers with water and sunscreen.

John LaForge and Death (aka Ron Miller) make our demands known.

Katie Bresette Butterfly addresses the crowd.

CSS students close the rally with impromptu chants,

Toxic Monster Mash!

The night before the rally, toxic monsters had their own party at the Red Star to raise money for Nukewatch. Mutants and sea witches drank glowing martinis and danced the night away for a clean lake... and surprised more than a few bachelorette parties. Bonnie Urfer staffed the popular toxic barrel photo booth, and celebrity costume judge and high school biology teacher Kathy Hermes awared prizes to Margo Presley for Most Uncomfortable Costume, to Chere Suzette Bergeron for Most Recycled Costume, and to Joel Kilgour for Most Realistic Mutation. Thanks to the Red Star, Adeline Wright and Rob the Blob for pulling the party together!

Sludgco rep Amy Wilcox was on hand to help with the party clean-up.