Riverfest promises a hot band lineup, some hot chili, too

Maddi Ryan performs during a recent Music on the Square concert in downtown Rochester. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The city's Sixth Annual RiverFest hits the Riverwalk area on North Main this Saturday from 2-7:30 p.m.

The city's signature summer entertainment event includes a talented and eclectic group of artists and bands as well a chili cookoff. Roaming Railroad, arts, crafts, even a bounce house for kids.

Entertainment for the day includes 2:00-Poor Howard, 2:40-Bill Cormier and Peter Marton, 3:20-North River Duo, 4-Andrew Menzi, 4:40-Maddi Ryan, 5:30-Dancing Madly Backwards and at 6:40 a Maddi Ryan reprise.

Specialty booths include Bees and Thank You, Seacoast Peace Response, Terri The Bag Lady, Maggie Blu Creations and LuLaRue.

A Chili Cookoff sponsored by Leone, McDonnell, & Roberts, PA will feature local restaurants vying for a plaque for a first place award with a $100 cash prize. The restaurants will be offering their chef's choice chili specials for sale. Those attending may purchase a $5 badge that entitles a small portion sampling and to vote for the winner, with the proceeds benefitting downtown promotions.

Participating restaurants as of press time include: Fresh Vibes Café, Happy Pappy's Country Store, Lilac City Grille, and Magrilla's.

Vendors, crafts, food and games will line the upper end of North Main Street and there is still room to sign up. Vendor forms are available online at www.rochestermainstreet.org. In addition to the vendors downtown merchants outside of the festival area are invited to participate in sidewalk activities as this is our "Third Saturday Sidewalk Day." Artists, crafters, and vendors are still being sought to participate in the Festival.

Traffic will be detoured around the upper end of North Main Street and the bridge via River Street. Alternative parking for residents and businesses is available in the Union Street, City Hall and Congress Street parking lots. For more information and a full schedule of entertainment please visit our website at www.rochestermainstreet.org or contact the Rochester Main Street office at 603-330-3208 or email director@rochestermainstreet.org.

Riverfest is underwritten by DF Richard Energy and a grant from the NH State Council On The Arts.

Waste Management, the Rochester Police and city Public Works also assisted in producing the event.