Meghan Loder
RED BANK – Despite starting off with some bad weather, it was a great weekend for this year’s edition of Riverfest in Marine Park.
The festival, an unofficial start to summer, had festivalgoers from far and wide enjoy a weekend of free music, good food and a great atmosphere.
“We’ve been coming here for years, it’s become a great family tradition,” said Nancy Peters of Fair Haven, who was accompanied Sunday, June 1, by her daughter, Caroline, and son, Adam. “We come for the music, but there really is something for everyone here.”
Between the rich variety of vendors, music, and food, there really was something for everyone at RiverFest.
On the main stage, crowd favorites, like Brian Kirk & the Jirks, Butch Avado, and Barry Ryans’ Rockability X, brought listeners to their feet with their upbeat tunes.
“I’m looking forward to a great afternoon here,” said Mary Melbourne of Bradley Beach, as she swayed to upbeat rhythm of Motor City Revue.
Across the park, at the waterfront stage, listeners were treated to a variety of acoustic sounds from bluegrass twang of Elaine and the Cimarron Sky Band to the Irish tunes of local artist Kevin McGowan. The artists were part of Musicians on a Mission, an organization dedicated to promoting giving through the gift of music.
Diane Pistilli and Suzanne Solleder traveled from Bayonne and Kearney to enjoy the music. “We’ve been coming for the past couple of years to enjoy the music and food. It’s such a nice relaxing way to spend the weekend,” said Pistilli.
Music wasn’t the only attraction at RiverFest. Attendees were tempted by all types of fare – from crepes and crabcakes to fried Oreos and funnel cake.
