Large Riverfest turnout predicted
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This coming weekend marks the third consecutive year of the Rices Landing Riverfest celebration.
The festival begins Friday at 4 p.m. and runs until midnight, and then continues Saturday from noon to midnight, at the lock wall of the former Rices Landing Lock and Dam.
This local event has continued to increase in popularity and size since it was reintroduced in 2013, and Ryan Belski, president of the fire company, said this year may be the biggest.
“We have 55 vendors this year,” Belski said. “We usually vary between 15 to 25 vendors and we have gotten a lot more attention over the years and a lot more sponsors.”
This year, the festival has gained the support of some large sponsors such as Chevron and EQT. For the organizers of the festival, such as the Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Department and the Boy Scouts, this was good news.
Riverfest is the largest fundraising event the fire company organizes every year, raising between $20,000 and $30,000.
“The main goal is to generate as much money as possible,” Belski said. “This money pays the bills and keeps the doors open for the [fire company].”
With only a slight chance of rain predicted for both days, this festival is anticipated to have a better turnout than in past years, when it rained.
Some of the highly anticipated events are six live bands scheduled to perform throughout the two days. The music is a mixture of rock and country.
Another event people enjoy is the fireworks display, which occurs both nights of the festival.
Admission for this year’s festival will be $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and younger.
Opening ceremonies begin at 5:45 p.m. Friday, with state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, speaking. The ceremony is followed by two live bands, Liquid Cure at 6 p.m. and The Hamptons at 9 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m.
On Saturday, the live band, Crimson will perform at 12:30 p.m. Balloon artists and caricatures will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. Three live bands will be performing; Boothill Gang will be performing at 2:30 p.m., the Christian Beck Band will follow at 5 p.m. and The Hillbilly Way will end the live performances at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m.
Throughout both days, vendors will be presenting the attendees with multiple activities, food and games for all ages to enjoy.