Riverfest turns 16

NARROWSBURG, N.Y. - Narrowsburg’s music, art and environmental festival is sweet sixteen this year, and plans are underway to blend together new events and old to provide attendees with a great day of celebration. Sponsored by Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Riverfest will be held on Narrowsburg’s Main Street on Sunday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. The arts and environment are the centerpiece of Riverfest. Artists and artisan offer hand crafted woodwork, jewelry, furniture, pottery, photography, glass, silk, dolls, hooked and woven rugs, paintings and lamps. You can meet an author and buy a book, have your picture taken, buy a newly designed Riverfest T-shirt or simply kick back and listen to the music. Environmental concerns will be addressed by staff members and volunteers of the National Park Service’s Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, the Upper Delaware Council, Master Gardeners, Trout Unlimited, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners. River Dog Parade, emceed by John Marchese, opens the fest at 10 a.m. Pooches of all sizes and shapes, dressed in their best finery, will compete for prizes provided by River Dog, a new dog boutique on Main Street. At 11 a.m., auctioneer Jerry Malek will open the Riverfest Poster Auction with Honorary Riverfest auctioneer, Pamela Moore Epstein. The auction features over five-dozen original art posters created by the area’s finest artists and artisans. This is the fifteenth such auction where collectors can snatch wonderful works of art. Auction proceeds benefit the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance’s Visual Arts Program, a year-round exhibition program. Music lovers can tap their feet to the Doc Marshalls’ honky tonk and Cajun shuffles and the jazz sounds of Inner Urge. Kids can look forward to creating art and craft projects with Maureen Cookingham at the Kids Korner and marvel at NaCl Theatre’s famous and popular stiltwalkers. For more information on Riverfest call Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, the Arts Council for Sullivan County, at 845-252-7576 or visit www.ArtsAllianceSite.org.