On a cold day this past winter, Orlando Rodriguez with Rich Port Adventure Company and Laura Kitner from TK TacKle were discussing a plan to organize a Youth Kayak Safety Course this summer. After reaching out to Laurel Green with Montgomery Parks and Recreation for a location, a simple safety course for the kids quickly turned into the first annual Riverfest 2022!
This event is going to be an amazing experience for the Montgomery community. They have teamed up with UPMC to co-host this first annual event and have over 70 vendors and food trucks set to roll in at 10:00 a.m. to the Montgomery Park on Saturday, June 18th.
We kick off Riverfest with our originally planned two-hour Youth Kayak Clinic with a Safety Presentation by Montgomery EMA 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Children 7 years of age and older are welcome to register. Participants will learn the proper paddling techniques and everything they need to know about kayaking correctly and safely. All kayak demonstrations will be in a controlled environment with mobile docks. Parents are encouraged to stay and observe! $5 sign up begins at 10 a.m.! Spots are limited!
Next up on the schedule of events is the 80s Themed Lil Miss Riverfest (Ages 0-15) Youth Beauty Pageant. It starts at noon on the Montgomery Carnival Band Stage. Please contact Laura Kitner at (570) 497-9935 and Kasi.mitchell83@yahoo.com for registration packet and the required $30 entry fee.
At 3 p.m., our Adult Kayak Race will begin. This is your time to shine and a chance to win a cash payout and bragging rights! $10 sign up per contestant (Ages 18 and up) begins at 10 a.m. Tell all your friends!
The Adult Cornhole Tournament starts at 5 p.m. in the Montgomery Park. $20 team sign up begins at 10 a.m. You can bring your own boards and bags to use. 1st place team wins trophies, a cash payout, and bragging rights! More teams equal bigger cash payout! Round up all of your bag-throwing buddies and let the best team win!
Four amazing bands are set to jam on the stage from 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Be sure to bring your chairs and blankets to relax, listen, and dance to the sounds of Van Wagner at 4 p.m., Tickled Pink at 5:30 p.m., Cathy Burns and the Hootenanny Band at 7 p.m., Willie Jack and the Northern Light at 8:30 p.m., and Coast Two Coast at 10 p.m. With a lineup like this, you’re guaranteed a delightful night filled with good music!
There will be plenty of parking in at Heritage Park, campground, and baseball fields. Also, remember to bring cash. There will be an ATM on the premises, but not all vendors will be accepting cards.
We are looking forward to this first annual kid-friendly, alcohol-free Riverfest! This epic event will be the first of many for the Montgomery community. We can’t wait to see you there.
