Editor's pick: To the glory of the river

The 18th annual RiverFest celebrates art, music and life on the Upper Delaware

WHEN: Sunday, July 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY.

COST: Free

CONTACT: 845/252-7576 or ArtsAllianceSite.org

NARROWSBURG, NY — Once every summer, Main Street in the riverside hamlet of Narrowsburg is transformed into a country fairground, with artisans, stilt walkers, food vendors, live music, local authors signing books, costumed dogs and, in a traditional highlight of the day, a fast-talking auctioneer. It’s all part of RiverFest, a festival of music, art and ecology.

Riverfest is a day to meet artists, hear live music, chat with environmentalists and shop. This year there’ll be 11 jewelers, eight painters and photographers, seven potters, six woodworkers, six textile artists, four authors, three furniture makers, a candlemaker, a soapmaker and a boommaker.

Visitors can also bid on one-of-a-kind posters created by local artists. The poster auction, starting at 12:00 noon, benefits the Alliance Gallery annual exhibition program. Visit www.ArtsAllianceSite.org to preview the posters available. New designs will be added weekly until July 26.

“Riverfest is a participatory event,” said Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) Executive Director Elaine Giguere. “There are those who enter their dogs in the parade; kids who make art at Kids Korner; those who come to learn about fly tying or gardening; those who bid on posters; and of course, those who love shopping for unique arts and crafts.”

The first 200 attendees to visit the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance’s welcoming booth will receive a re-usable cotton tote containing RiverBucks, a coupon book good for discounts on goods and services throughout town, and other goodies.

The event is sponsored by the DVAA, in cooperation with the Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce.

RiverFest Events

10:00 a.m.: River Dogs on Parade (registration 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.)

11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Kids Korner with Maureen Cookingham

12:00 p.m.: Poster Auction at the Mainstage with auctioneer Jerry Malek

2:00 to 4:30 p.m.: BioDiesel roots music at Mainstage

3:00 p.m.: NACl Stiltwalkers

River Dogs on Parade

NARROWSBURG, NY — River Dogs on Parade, the opening event at Narrowsburg’s 18th annual RiverFest, brings out pooches of all sizes and shapes showing off their best finery. Sponsored by Delaware Valley Farm and Garden of Callicoon, NY, the parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. sharp on Sunday, July 27. All dogs must be leashed.

Pooches and their owners will parade from the former Narrowsburg Central School on Erie Street in Narrowsburg to the Main Street Bandstand. Emceed by TV Critic Kevin McDonough and judged by a distinguished panel of citizens, the event features prizes for Most Original, Best Look-Alike, Funniest and Best in Show.

Registration costs $10 and can be made in advance by stopping in the Delaware Arts Center, 37 Main Street in Narrowsburg or downloading the form from www.ArtsAllianceSite.org and submitting payment. Onsite registration is also available starting at 9:15 a.m. at Narrowsburg Central School.

For more information call 845/252-7576 or visit ArtsAllianceSite.org.