Rices Landing Riverfest gets underway today
Organizers of Rices Landing Riverfest are hoping for good weather as the annual festival gets underway tonight at the lock wall of the former Rices Landing lock and dam.
No matter what happens with the weather, everything is ready and will proceed rain or shine, said Ryan Belski, president of Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Company.
The fire company sponsors the annual event, which runs through Saturday and features live music, fireworks, activities for children and food and craft vendors.
Last year, the two-day festival had severe thunderstorms both days, but still drew a good crowd, Belski said.
He said he checked the weather Thursday and it’s calling for “hit or miss” thunderstorms Saturday. Of course, Belski’s hoping for a “miss,” but added the festival offers cover in case of rain.
Riverfest will run from 5 p.m. to midnight today and from 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and younger each day.
Activities both days include children’s games, face painting and balloon tying. A magician will be on hand and the historic W.A. Young Foundry and Machine Shop will be open for viewing. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. each night.
Opening ceremonies for Riverfest will be at 6:15 p.m. today and entertainment will include the band Hit n Run at 6:30 p.m. and Michael Christopher at 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday, the Grable and Reeves Band will perform at 2 p.m., the Fourth River Band at 4:30 p.m. and the band Ruff Creek at 7:30 p.m.
American Idol contestant Issac Cole Crimson will take the stage at 9 p.m. and be followed by The Hillbilly Way at 9:45 p.m.
Some parking for the festival will be available at Pumpkin Run Park and along the Main Street of Rices Landing. Additional parking will be at the Rices Landing Fire Hall and, if needed, the Rices Landing American Legion. A free shuttle service will be available to and from those lots.