Riverlorian Productions LLC presents this showcase performance of A Visit From Will Dilg and scenes from Our Mighty Mississippi. Sponsors of this event are The Izaak Walton League of America, Audubon Upper Mississippi River, Missisippi Park Connection, and One Mississippi.

Steven Marking plays Will Dilg in an inspiring one-man stage production entitled A Visit from Will Dilg. Will Dilg was a frequent visitor to the Mississippi River and an avid bass fisherman. He discovered that there were plans to drain and clear cut the backwater lands and levee off the entire Upper Mississippi River to create farm lands. After suffering from the drowning death of his only son in the early 1920’s, Dilg rose from the depths of depression to lead an extraordinary national crusade by forming the Izaak Walton League. Then, with the support of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of America they saved a 261 mile stretch of Mississippi River backwaters from drainage for agriculture by forming a great national preserve, our Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. What we have today was accomplished by Will Dilg and his followers during the 1920’s.

Steven Marking was recently featured on PBS This American Land Season 12, episode 4 as The Riverlorian and can be seen on PBS passport. The hallmark of Steve’s performances is a blend of entertainment, education, humor, and art. Steve created A Visit from Will Dilg for the Centennial

Celebration of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Marking created a script that relies heavily on Dilg’s own published words. The beauty of the native flora and fauna of the refuge are featured as a backdrop for this extraordinary inspirational show. Run time 50 min. After intermission, Steve will perform songs and stories from Our Mighty Mississippi - a magical journey of song, storytelling and visual imagery celebrating America’s greatest river.

Tickets can be purchased at https://stevenmarking.com/events/

Students admited free with a student id.