Three Days of Fun on the Navesink

472

By Carey Neff

Riverfest chalks up another successful outing in Red Bank

Chuck Lambert and the Chuck Lambert Band entertain the crowds at the Riverfest in Red Bank Sunday, June 3.

RED BANK – “Fun, food, and music by the river,” is how Kelly Grubb of Manalapan described why he and his family came to Riverfest.
That might just be the best way to sum up Red Bank’s annual Riverfest Food and Music Festival.
The festival, an opportunity for attendees to sample local cuisine and shop for merchandise from 20 area restaurants, businesses and retailers, was held June 1-3 at Riverside Park and presented by the Ford Motor Co. Live music by local bands also highlighted the event.

The Boondock’s Fishery mascot poses with a fan.

Among the attractions of Riverfest each year is the food. This year’s festival was no different. Selections from local restaurants were so abundant and included lobster rolls from Boondock’s Fishery, soft-shell crabs, bacon wrapped scallops from Windansea, fried calamari and zeppoles from Gaetano’s, grilled corn, kabobs, gourmet Chinese food selections from Temple, pizza from New Corner and Tommy’s Coal Fired Pizza, sausage and peppers sandwiches, raspberry lemonades, and coffee. Cupcake Magician offered an assortment of cupcakes.
“We’re here to support the festival and community. As a Red Bank restaurant, that’s important to us,” said Mike Capello of Gaetano’s Restaurant on Wallace Street.

Kyle Ward and Dillon Butler of the School of Rock Band play for the crowd.

As the bands performed, families and friends set up chairs and blankets on the lawn, listening and occasionally dancing to the music.

Music fans sit on the lawn of Marine Park.

Among the lineup of bands for Saturday evening were Brian Kirk and the Jirks, The Jazz Lobsters, BethAnne Clayton Band, and JoBonanno & the Godsons of Soul. The Chuck Lambert Band performed Sunday afternoon and was followed by Mr.Ray, who appealed to both children and their parents.
For those wishing to showcase their talents, Wells Fargo sponsored a party area including karaoke. While Ford held contests for a chance to win a car and the Children’s Palace offered rides and kids’ activities.
And if music, food, shopping and amusements weren’t enough, Riverfesters were treated to cruises along the Navesink.

Vendor James Stoppello of Rhode Island sells novelties.

“I was very impressed with the food offered at Riverfest,” Little Silver resident Peter Roskowinski said. “I also enjoyed the boat ride. It gave me a new perspective of what the river is like.”
Editor’s note: Carey Neff is a junior at Red Bank Regional High School.