Plans are coming together: Return of the Riverport Festival is weeks away

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Plans to bring back the once-popular Riverport Festival after an absence of several years continue to move along. Organizers are working toward a three-day event that will take place from Sept. 24-26.

The lead organization is the government-appointed Community Events Committee chaired by Steven Wygonowski. Its members have learned there are endless details that need to be addressed and that restarting a former event is a unique challenge.

“We’re making good progress” and have completed a detailed plan addressing all known questions, Wygonowski said.

As this issue went to press, meetings were scheduled with local officials and town departments to secure the needed support. One important job not yet assigned is to find someone to coordinate the many volunteers who need to be recruited if this event is to be successful.

“Getting volunteer help is the biggest thing,” he said.

He is hopeful that churches, schools, community organizations, scout troops and individual citizens will step up to assist. Marketing and publicity are also important but the committee is working with limited funds.

“It’s a big struggle to make people aware. We’ve been putting the word out in different places,” Wygonowski said.

The plan is to erect banners over busy streets and ask people to place signs on their lawns promoting the festival. He is hopeful that those who run, walk or jog will participate in the 5K race along the river that takes place on Saturday morning.

“It’s a beautiful run or walk along the river” and can be run competitively or simply enjoyed as a nice, pressure-free walk. “Our committee has taken on rebuilding the town stage,” which is in a state of disrepair.

Wygonowski added that it is vital to ensure that traffic and parking go smoothly and that there are enough portable toilets to serve those who attend. CL

For more information, or to become a vendor, visit cromwellriverport.com, email cromwellcec@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page or Instagram account.