Riverfest's mix of fun, food and music returns July 15

Folks enjoy the entertainment on a beautiful July day during a recent Riverfest in Rochester. (Courtesy photo)

Rochester will host its sixth annual Rochester Main Street RiverFest (formerly the Blues Fest) on Saturday, July 15 from 2-7:30 p.m. in the North Main Street/Cocheco Riverwalk area in downtown Rochester with its normal flavorful mix of music, fun and food.

A Chili Cookoff Contest 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 entitling them to vote for the winner, with the proceeds benefitting downtown promotions. 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.

The festival is organized by Rochester Main Street volunteers and underwritten by DF Richard Energy and a grant from the NH State Council On The Arts.

This event promises toe-tapping sounds for all. Guests are asked to bring a lawn chair and enjoy a wide range of music throughout the day. In addition there will be a Roaming Railroad, arts, crafts, a hospitality tent sponsored by Smuttynose Brewing and a bounce house.

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.