Fort Campbell and Clarksville are banding together for Riverfest 2010 with a few notable additions and some familiar returning fixtures.
In its 23rd year, the two-day music festival will extend its sprawl to a mile, along the Clarksville Riverwalk into North McGregor Park, said Clarksville Parks and Recreation Spokeswoman, Candice Waite.
There will also be a hot-air balloon ride and three stages, Waite said. Were really excited that it will be bigger and better this year.
Clarksville Councilwoman, Deanna McLaughlin, on the planning committee for Riverfest 2010, recognized the festivals ties to the Fort Campbell community.
Clarksville has been a great place for the military community, said McLaughlin, whose husband is a retired Soldier.
As part of a military community, were always looking for free things for them to do, she added. One of these is Riverfest, so we definitely want to make sure we get the word out to them.
For Soldiers and Families and everyone who recalls the tragedy of 9/11, the festival will feature a remembrance, Saturday.
Because the festival also falls on that day, well be having a ceremony at noon and Fort Campbell will provide music for that, McLaughlin said referring to the 101st Rear Detachment Band.
The ceremony will also include an Honor Guard with local law enforcement and fire crews in attendance.
Waite said the ceremony is the citys way that they can be involved in honoring and remembering that day for Soldiers, Families and everyone involved.
McLaughlin also hopes that Families can get involved with the Riverfest Regatta that calls teams to build their own boats to race down the river.
Its so much fun, McLaughlin said. And I always thought it would be great to have units from Fort Campbell entering teams.
The race also includes humorous awards like the Titanic Award for the boat that sinks the best.
We would love to see some boats from Fort Campbell, even from the Courier, McLaughlin said. There are plenty of engineers [there] and Id like to see what they could build.
Teams can consist of groups like civic organizations or businesses, McLaughlin said, but teams must be aware of the deadlines for registration and arrival the day of the race.
Matt Nixon, with Clarksville Parks and Recreation helps with the Kidzone at Riverfest and sets up a vehicle display that he said is usually a hit with kids. This year, the Kidzone will feature two new medical military vehicles.
Kids can take pictures with the vehicles, meet the Soldiers hear what they do. Its really a chance for them to meet and greet, Nixon said.
Other features include an evening lighted-boat parade and plenty of art and cultural exhibits to experience. Cornhole tournaments are also new this year, with waiting staff from different restaurants in competition.
Theyll also be playing games like how many glasses can you carry on your head without spilling them, she said.
Sounds set sail
Just out of high school, local artist, Lydia Walker has been playing her blend of Christian folk rock around the area for a while. In fact, shes been writing, recording and performing since she was 12. Walkers timing to play Riverfest couldnt have been more perfect, just releasing her sixth CD, Statistics, and shes excited about playing this time as well. Her first time was a few years ago.
I played there a few years ago on a Sunday afternoon and there were probably 20 people there, Walker said laughing. And that was before they stopped doing the Sundays. So this is my first big slot at Riverfest. Im excited.
I think theres the expectation of a huge crowd, Walker said before a performance Thursday night at Cheeseburger Charlies on Tiny Town Road. People love to come for the games, the food and the whole bigness of the festival.
The Gateway stage will feature Christian artists, while the Budweiser stage will feature country music artists.
Its Family-friendly and I think thats a big draw because people can bring their kids, Walker said. Its music they can sing along to, theyre OK with kids listening to and its a safe environment.
Local artists draw the Families and friends of the artists playing, she says, so in a sense, its a bit like a big party.
Well just keep that going, she said. One right after the other. Itll be great, and just keep getting bigger and bigger as the night goes on.
Bryan Waller, lead singer and guitarist for the band, Exit Right, is another musician whos played the local circuit for a while and is looking forward to the festival. Waller played at Riverfest in a battle-of-the-bands competition several years ago with another band called Visible Sign.
Its good. Some of [your friends and Family] know you and will come out, but most of the people dont know you will be here, Waller said. So its kind of a newer atmosphere. You are performing, but I think theres another level when you do something bigger like this.
He likes that people can hear the diversity in different styles, even locally. Both Waller and Walker said they look forward to playing with the other artists.
Walker feels that Clarksville is just starting to develop musically and Riverfest reflects that newness.
Were starting to get some venues and starting to get kind of a music scene going here, Walker said. Normally musicians around here would go to Nashville. Its been kind of fun to see some new places to go
Riverfest is a good time to bring everyone together.
Waller feels the Family atmosphere. We all kind of know each other, even if we dont know each other, we know of each other, he said.
For more information call Clarksville Parks and Recreation at (931) 645-7476 or visit www.clarksvilleriverfest.com.
RIVERFEST 2010 LINEUP
FRIDAY
Budweiser Stage
5 p.m. Lauren Weakley
6 p.m. Chris Monhollen
7 p.m. Diana Pelham
8:05 p.m. James Fyke
8:15 p.m. Edens Edge
9:35 p.m. James Fyke
9:45 p.m. James Otto
Gateway Stage
5 p.m. Lydia Walker
6 p.m. Jaimie Morgan
7 p.m. Exit Right
8:15 p.m. Pure Star Movement
9:30 p.m. Addison Road
SATURDAY
Budweiser Stage
11 a.m. Cumberland Jazz Project
noon 9/11 Ceremony
1:15 p.m. Black Velvet
2:30 p.m. Ben Sturgill
3:45 p.m. Jeffrey James
4:45 p.m. Tim Lynch
6 p.m. Beaver Country Idol
7:50 p.m. James Fyke
8 p.m. Kingbilly
9:20 p.m. James Fyke
9:30 p.m. Jimmy Wayne
Gateway Stage
10 a.m. Distinguished Steppers Unlimited
10:30 a.m. Clarksville Artistic Show Troupe
11 a.m. Natalies Dance Network
11:30 a.m. The Dance Force
Noon Lanas Dance Network
12:30 p.m. Acro Dance Express
4:30 p.m. Gateway to Stardom
7:15 p.m. Julylee
8:30 p.m. Guest
9:45 p.m. Everlife