Think Summer - Riverfest 2010

It's Not That Far Away

(1/11/2010) Forget these dark, cold days of winter for a while, and warm your spirit with thoughts of a major summertime event in Shelburne Falls: RiverFest. On Saturday, June 12, the village will host the Deerfield River Watershed Association’s 22nd annual celebration of the waterway that flows through town and the surrounding countryside.

Folks from all over New England, and beyond, will be drawn here for RiverFest’s entertaining, educational displays and demonstrations…live music throughout the village…singing, storytelling and children’s games…the colorful “Frog & Flower Parade”…art, crafts and food vendors…tag, book, plant and bake sales.

Grownups and youngsters will get to meet some of the birds of prey that soar through local skies; learn how to identify edible wild plants; see specially chosen movies at Pothole Pictures (the fly-fishing film “Rivers of a Lost Coast” on Friday night and “The Deerfield: A Working River” on Saturday).

Visitors will try some quiet-water rafting, join a guided hike on one of the watershed’s scenic trails (Sunday), and ride a historic trolley car (all weekend long).

And while they’re here, those hundreds of people will also patronize Shelburne Falls’ many shops, galleries and restaurants.

RiverFest can only happen with the support of community members, which makes it a wonderful opportunity for local businesses to shine.

Please become a RiverFest sponsor or supporter this year. To find out how, to get additional information or to share your ideas and comments, contact Polly Bartlett (625-6628) or Ellen Eller (625-9933).