Riverfest brings arts, performers and a dog parade to Narrowsburg for a day

The 32nd annual Riverfest street festival that features a dog parade, art poster auction, artisan market, live performances and kids’ activities is coming up on July 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

This production of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance begins at 10 a.m. with River Dogs on Parade, emceed with commentary by Kevin McDonough. Dogs can be registered in advance ($10) by calling DVAA at (845) 252-7576 or signing up at 9 a.m. in front of Narrowsburg Feed & Grain.

This year’s Riverfest will also feature over 45 artisan market booths with handcrafts in wood, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and stone, and fine art mediums of printmaking, photography, sculpture, and painting. Riverfest also gives visitors a chance to learn about the community’s environmental and service organizations with booths for many local non-profits. DVAA will again host a kids’ activity tent where youth can craft their own Riverfest posters.

The Riverfest Poster Auction takes place at 1 p.m. on the main stage. Many original, one-of-a-kind posters created by local artists will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. Artworks will be displayed in DVAA’s gallery windows and storefronts up and down Main Street.

Art posters can be viewed and bid on online in advance of the live auction. For more information, visit delawarevalleyartsalliance.org/riverfest. Proceeds support DVAA’s programs in the visual arts and participating artists.

Live performances go on throughout the day. In the morning, families are invited to a swashbuckling show of sea chanteys by The Royal Yard from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Then, at 12:30 p.m., Farm Arts Collective performs their blend of street theater on Main Street with a production of ‘Dream on the River.’ Following the live poster auction, will be dancing in the street to Latin Rhythms with DJ Jamie and the Matt Hernandez Dance Studio Dancers.

Foods range from classic sausage and peppers and seafood plates to newer offerings like ‘tartes flambées’ and spaetzle. Traditional street fair foods will include cupcakes and funnel cakes.

JEFF Bank is Riverfest’s 2022 Sponsor, and WJFF Radio Catskill is Media Sponsor. Additional support comes from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, DVAA’s members, 2022 business supporters, and individuals.