Juniata Riverfest

From Juniata Riverfest Website:

Every year on the Saturday before July 4th, Juniata RiverFEST takes place in Victory Park along the Juniata River in Lewistown, PA! Juniata RiverFEST is an all-day independence day celebration featuring a Raft Regatta, Community Float, 5k River Rampage Run, Rockin' by the River Entertainment, Vendors, Activities, AND of course Fireworks!

Juniata RiverFEST is our creative means to focus on the beauty and marketability of the Juniata River. Our main goal is to have a free event that will bring together residents and non-residents of all socio-economic backgrounds, while exposing them to the many different types of art surrounding the river. Other goals are to evolve Juniata RiverFEST into the valley's annual "homecoming" as well as raise money and awareness to beautify the area.

RiverFEST is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates our community through arts, entertainment, and recreational activities. In 2005, we sat in our office at the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau & Chamber of Commerce and thought "wouldn't it be great to get the Raft Regatta going again - how fun would that be?" Our end result was RiverFEST, which in the first year was attended by 8,000 people. Using our greatest resource we have resurrected the Raft Regatta, implemented the Community Float, added a variety of Entertainment, Vendors, and Activities, and incorporated the annual fireworks display.

The Raft Regatta has a deep history and following in the valley and hopefully will continue as long as the Juniata River flows. This year we hope to have twice as many teams join in the floating fun. The Community Float will start at the Granville Access and follow the same route to Victory Park. Canoes, Kayaks, and Tubers are ALL welcome! This year there will be canoes available to rent from the access.

Rockin' by the River will start at 12 Noon on the stage in Victory Park. Rockin' by the River is coordinated and hosted by Ryan Russler, from Media X Creative. RiverFEST Idol is a spin-off from American Idol. We hold an open casting call and then ten finalists will perform in hopes of being crowned RiverFEST Idol and obtaining bragging rights.

If relaxing on or by the river is your thing, you will love RiverFEST. Join us this year at RiverFEST and Celebrate America and the Juniata River Valley. Come for the fun, great food, rockin' music and stay for the fireworks!