Popular event will return

Riverport Festival is scheduled for September

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Folks who have lived in town for a while will remember an annual event called the Riverport Festival. It was an opportunity for the entire community to come together and share town spirit.

The last festival took place in 2014. Increasing difficulty with raising funds and recruiting enough volunteers to staff the event were among the leading reasons for its demise.

There was talk of trying to bring it back several years ago but then the COVID-19 pandemic slammed the door on that hope. But now it’s being resurrected under the guidance of a government-appointed Community Events Committee chaired by Steven Wygonowski.

Members of this all-volunteer committee quickly learned that there is an endless list of details that they must address. A lot of those are in the process of being resolved but the dates of the three-day festival have been set for the weekend of Sept. 24-26.

None of this is official yet, but likely attractions could include martial arts demonstrations, middle school and high school musicians, solo musical artists, dance performances, a children’s show, acoustic music, carnival, touch a truck, magician, beer garden, kid’s zone, petting zoo and maybe even a fireworks display.

Richard Franklin Donohue, president of the Cromwell Historical Society, has agreed to serve as the master of ceremonies. The plans also call for food and other types of vendors.

All of this will take place in Pierson Park. Space is an issue because the football field is off limits for this event. Parking will likely involve off-site lots and shuttle service. A 5K run is planned for Saturday morning.

“Mayor James Demetriades had the idea of pulling it together” and bringing the event back, Wygonowski said. “We’re still working through the basic stuff. We have found out how much work it really is.”

That includes applying for numerous municipal permits. They must determine how many tents and portable toilets are needed, not to mention the number and locations of off-site parking.

The committee has begun recruiting local nonprofit organizations to take part in this festival, which coincides with the 250^th anniversary of the United States. He said the beauty of it is that this is something all ages can enjoy.

“It’s a chance for the community to come together and have a celebration of Cromwell,” he added.

That’s even more important because this year marks the town’s 175^th anniversary as a distinct municipality. Prior to that it was considered the “Upper Houses” of Middletown.

“We’re actively seeking sponsorships from businesses in town … we’re going to do a few-fund-raising activities,” Wygonowski said. “All of these things cost money.”

Sponsorships are available at multiple levels ranging from $100 to more than $5,000 and come with various perks. Town government has pledged some money as has the Cromwell Fire District.

He floated the idea of a fireworks display or drone show but it’s too early to say if these will be part of the festivities.

Festival hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free but there will be a cost for food and certain specific activities.

In addition to Wygonowski, the other members of the committee are Vice Chairperson Rosanna Glynn, Treasurer Barbara Lesi, Secretary Heather Deming, Karen Ambler, JoAnn Doyle, Pamela Barker-Jones and Ray Migliaro. CL

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