The event is being hosted by two groups, the Nuestro Rio, a statewide organization and Hispanic Access Foundation, a national organization with participating youth from Las Cruces who are going to hike in Gila Wilderness area after today's activities.

"The Gila River flows into the Colorado River and it's facing a proposed diversion. We think there are better alternatives that can provide more water without spending so much money," regional organizer for Colorado River Day, Jennie Peek-Dunstone said. "We wanted to highlight that the Gila is an important part of the Colorado River Basin."

Some of the students attending through Hispanic Access Foundation have hiked the Gila Wilderness before. This time they are bringing Bishop Cantú with them. He will speak at the event, then hike and camp with the youth.

The Silver City celebration will be from 1:30 to 6 p.m. today at Gough Park at N. Pope Street.

Now in its third year, the event focuses on the full spectrum of cities and communities in the Colorado River basin addressing water challenges in their respective regions and states, according to the news release. The combined efforts are aimed at creating a healthy flowing Colorado River system that powers the western outdoor recreation economy, provides ample water for agriculture and satisfies the needs of municipalities and consumers across the basin. The festivities will include live music in the park.

Besides the Most Rev. Oscar Cantú, bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces, state and local leaders will speak during the festivities. Visitors can expect remarks by state Rep. Rudy Martinez, D-39, an overview of Colorado River Day with Robert Apodaca, Nuestro Rio, and Manuel Chavez, Nuestro Rio Youth Leadership Program.

Here's a schedule of the afternoon's events:

1:30 – 1:45 p.m.: Welcoming Remarks, Rudy Martinez, New Mexico state representative for Doña Ana, Grant and Sierra counties

1:45 – 2 p.m.: Overview of Colorado River Day with Robert Apodaca, Nuestro Rio, and Manuel Chavez, Nuestro Rio Youth Leadership Program

2:00 – 2:15 p.m.: Importance of Preserving our Water, Bishop Cantú, Diocese of Las Cruces, Nuestro Rio Youth Leadership, and Hispanic Access Foundation

2:15 – 6 p.m.: Colorado River Activities with the Wellness Coalition, music and messages from Mark Cantrell of the Lone Mountain Natives; Jim Macintosh of Gila Conservation Education Center; and Allison Siwik of Gila Resource Information Project.