Riverfest makes changes to benefit residents
There is no question in Julie Farris’ mind what the focus is of the 29th annual Pride of the Fox Riverfest. The residents.
Changing things like the festival times, making the craft show into three days and creating new events for the seven venues, were all in mind to benefit the residents of St. Charles.
“Our main goal is to produce it for the residents,” said Farris, executive director of Pride of the Fox Inc. “This is one of the few festivals that you can bring your family down all day, if you pack your lunch, for free.”
Riverfest begins Friday, June 10, through Sunday, June 12, with new times running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Farris said in the past, different venues started at different times, but to make it easier for the residents the committee changed everything to start at 10 a.m., except for the main stage music, which starts at 6 p.m.
The normal two-day craft fair has been changed to three because it’s what the residents wanted. Farris said the number one question asked at the information booth last year was why the craft fair was not on Friday.
“We decided that — going back to what the residents are asking for — to make it a three-day event,” Farris said. “We had to tweak the location in order to make three days.”
The craft show will not be in its usual location at Pottawatomie Park — as campers will be in the park on Friday — but now along the river and in the back parking lot of the Municipal Center.
Riverfest has added several new events but also a new venue called the Support Our Troops located at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in St. Charles. Here people can write letters to soldiers overseas.
“The letter to the troops is our newest baby and one of our proudest additions,” Farris said.
Farris said it is meant to bring more awareness to the VFW post, which will stay open late with its own activities and food available.
Classic events such as the dragon boat race and sand sculpture, will be accompanied by new events like a hamburger eating contest, a big vehicle day and the trophy car show on First Street.
Colonial Cafe will have ice cream trucks featured at Big Vehicle day and Burger King, by Gill Management, which is sponsoring the hamburger eating contest.
“Riverfest is traditionally known as the community festival,” Farris said. “Our goal is to bring in activities that are local and to showcase in the local businesses.”
To make it an even more community related event, the majority of the 60 to about 80 volunteers are residents of St. Charles.
“When you volunteer you suddenly realize how much fun you’re having because you’re interacting with the people,” said Darlene Riebe, volunteer coordinator and a volunteer of the festival for 20 years.
Farris, in her second year planning this event and 15 year resident of St. Charles, said she wants to show off the “incredible assets” St. Charles has.
“I think everyone should come out to the festival to see what St. Charles has to offer,” Farris said. “We have great pride showcasing the community.”
For a map of venues and complete list of events, visit prideofthefox.com.
If you go
If you go
What: The 29th annual Pride of the Fox Riverfest
When: General hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, June 10-12. Main stage music begins at 6 p.m.
Where: Seven venues throughout downtown St. Charles
Cost: Admission is free; food costs will vary
Details: For a map and a complete schedule of events and activities, visit prideofthefox.com.