The Catskill Chronicle

NARROWSBURG, NY (July 12, 2012) – Music, art, and the environment are the primary themes of Narrowsburg’s 22nd Annual Riverfest, held this year on Sunday, July 22, from 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m., at the edge of the Delaware River on Main Street in Narrowsburg, NY.

Presented by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance and sponsored by Catskill Regional Medical Center, the 22nd Annual Riverfest embodies the spirit of the river valley and highlights the artists who live and work there.

Riverfest’s distinguishing characteristic is the access it affords to the artists whose products are being sold. Everything at Riverfest is artist-made and the person who is selling it to you is the artist him/herself: broom makers; potters; jewelers; textile, wood, and glass artists; writers, and painters. Get a book signed or watch a chainsaw artist create a new sculpture, a potter throwing clay, or a fly tier making the perfect fly for the perfect catch.

Artists are highlighted most dramatically at the Riverfest poster auction that takes place at the bandstand at 12:30 p.m. The work of over five dozen artists, whose posters are created especially for the festival in every conceivable medium from watercolor to fabric to wood, are auctioned off by Jerry Malek. These beautiful interpretations are on display in the gallery windows of the Delaware Arts Center and National Park Service and can also be seen online at www.ArtsAllianceSite.org.

Music opens the festivities just before 10:00 a.m., followed by the ever-popular Dog Parade. Pooches and pups strut their stuff at the bandstand, all hoping to win the “best of” awards, while emcee Kevin McDonough offers running commentary and the Dog Parade judges deliberate. Live music thereafter is provided by Stacy and Friends, the Rich Johansen Band, Mike Jung, and other guests.

It wouldn’t be Riverfest without the NACL stiltwalkers overseeing the festivities from their birds’ eye view. The tradition continues and these larger than life characters will inspire and delight once again.

Kids Korner is a place where children can create works of art or play games under the direction of Maureen Cookingham from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Art projects range from masks to mini posters and kids get to take home their own interpretation of Riverfest.

Environment and energy efficiency information booths will help you wade through the complexities of clean water, clean air, and energy conservation.

Follow the signs to Riverfest and enjoy a full day of celebrating the arts and environment.
Admission is free. For more information call 845-252-7576 or visit www.ArtsAllianceSite.org.

Photo captions: “Hawk and Upper Delaware For Riverfest” by Lee McElfresh, Archival Digital Print (top photo); “Within The River” by James Hemmel, Brass and Copper with Patina Finish (lower right)