What better way to support a critical ecosystem in Northern Minnesota than with live music, cold beverages, and all sorts of summer festivities? That’s exactly what Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is doing this Friday, July 4, from 12pm to 7pm.

It is all part of Paddlin’ for the Boundary Waters, a fundraiser to help preserve the BWCA. One of the sponsors is conservation group Sportsmen and Sportswomen for the Boundary Waters. Their executive director Lukas Leaf shared why he is so passionate about protecting the BWCA.

“My dad introduced me to the Boundary Waters when I was 12, and I’ve been hooked ever since. We want to ensure that future generations of paddlers, anglers, and hunters can fish for lake trout, chase grouse, and share a campfire under the stars in America’s most visited wilderness,” said Leaf.

One of the Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters board members and founding member of Trampled by Turtles, Dave Simonett, is getting in on the performance side of the event, playing a set with his band Dead Man Winter.

Bent Paddle’s next event starts on Saturday, where the world’s largest rubber duck will be making an appearance.