NEW CUMBERLAND - What's an Ohio River town to do on a beautiful fall weekend?
Why, have a festival on the riverfront, of course.
The fourth annual Fall River Fest takes place today and Sunday on River Avenue in this county seat town. The festival will feature an estimated 41 food and craft vendors-the most ever-a catfish tournament, an art show, a 5K run, musical entertainment and fireworks.
Article Photos
A tent sits ready for use Friday on Jefferson Street in front of the River Avenue Overlook in New Cumberland, where the Fall River Fest is taking place today and Sunday. (Photo by Stephen Huba)
The festival gets bigger and better every year, said Tammy Jenkins, of the New Cumberland Festival and Parade Committee.
"We hold fundraisers throughout the year," Jenkins said. "The city has been great and usually helps us pay for half the cost of the fireworks."
Things get under way at 11 a.m. today with the opening ceremony, featuring the national anthem and the New Cumberland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2716 Honor Guard.
Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a full schedule of musical entertainment today at the River Avenue Overlook: noon, Brad Hileman; 1:30 p.m., Brad Edwards; 2:30 p.m., Michele's Dance Studio; 4 p.m., Route 45 Band; and 6:30 p.m., the Joseph Sisters.
On Sunday, the NC Kids Got Talent show, for children 16 and under, takes place from 1-3 p.m. Spinning Jenny performs from 3-5 p.m. Sunday.
The Hancock County Arts Council Art Show will run simultaneously with the festival both days.
Also during the festival, the Ohio River Catfish Association is sponsoring a catfish tournament. The youth division competition runs from 9-11 a.m. today at no cost. The adult competition runs from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. today at $20 a person.
Adults will be judged on the weight of the top three fish caught, while youth prizes will be awarded for the heaviest and longest fish.
The River Fest 5K run starts at 9 a.m. today at the George Hines Park gazebo and ends at the New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department. Entry fee is $18.
The fireworks show is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. today.
