by Borden Black and Calista Sprague

Get out the strollers, don your sunglasses, and put sunscreen on the kids — it’s time for Riverfest ‘06. “Fun, entertaining and educational,” that’s The Historic Columbus Foundation’s goal for Riverfest according to chair, Frances Quick. There will be a little something for everybody she promises, from barbeque to fine art and from games for kids to history lessons for all ages. The Historic Columbus Foundation’s focus this year is on the Folklife Village, the educational and cultural arts component of Riverfest Weekend.

Jennifer Glover coordinates the Folklife Village activities and points to art and history as the focus. The Youth Art Show, a competition for student artists will again be held this year. Four hundred pre-K through 12th grade students from public and private schools in Muscogee County, Russell County, and Phenix City will participate. Winners from the schools’ competitions will be on display in the Folklife Village during Riverfest. After adjudication by local experts, the winners will be announced on Saturday, April 29 at 10:30 on the Children’s Stage. After Riverfest, the young artists’ work will be on exhibit at area businesses, giving all an opportunity to appreciate the talented youngsters in our communities.

The Children’s Adventure Land is dedicated to the education and entertainment of young people. One of the highlights this year will be Peter and Mary Ann Hart’s Atlanta puppet center. Considered one of the foremost professional puppeteers of the south, Peter Hart has performed at Walt Disney World, Six Flags Over Georgia, and even the Olympics. Appropriate for children of all ages, the Harts’ audience-interactive puppet shows are scheduled for Saturday, April 28, and their motto is: “A Splendid Time Is Guaranteed for All.” The Harts will also offer workshops throughout the day designed to enhance the creative abilities of children. Participants will delight in the chance to create their own puppets.

Youngsters will also have an opportunity to learn about Japan, this year’s featured country, through dance, food and costumes. Entertainment from music to dancing is scheduled for the children’s stage.

The whole family will learn about the past through living history demonstrations of skills such as quilting, weaving and blacksmithing. One of the most popular features is the Native Primitive Skills Demonstrators. Native Americans from the Chickasaw Nation will participate and Jim Sawgrass will again set up a Creek encampment. Before Riverfest opens, 200 children from area schools will be treated to special demonstrations while folk artists and others from the Folklife Village take their skills out into schools.

The musical entertainment is another highlight of Riverfest. From the student “Battle of the Bands” to national headliners there is a tune for every taste. Saturday night’s concert will end with a bang; Aflac’s spectacular fireworks display.

What would a festival be without food? There is plenty planned for this year’s weekend. Five professional barbequers will cook all weekend. The public will be able to purchase sample plates and vote for the people’s choice. They’ll fire up the grills Friday morning and will serve until the announcement of the “Best Barbeque” Sunday afternoon. In addition to the Pig-Jig food, vendors from around the nation will be offering all kinds of treats.

Not only is Riverfest fun, attendees help preserve the past. Proceeds from ticket sales are used by the Historic Columbus Foundation for a wide variety of community programs such as a multi-media education program and renovation of historic homes. Hundreds of volunteers have been meeting and planning for months. “We want to entertain and make sure people have fun and ensure this is the best Riverfest ever,” says Glover.

Riverfest at a Glance