September event a fundraiser for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River

BULLHEAD CITY - Move over CornFest, there's a new game in town.

The inaugural RiverFest is being planned in place of the longstanding CornFest that had become an autumn staple in the community. RiverFest is being organized and promoted as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River, the Mohave Valley-Fort Mohave Community Park and other non-profit organizations.

The event will run Sept. 11-13 at Rotary Park.

The RiverFest will primarily be a wakeboard and wakeskate competition, said event organizer Dave Patterson, board president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River.

“We have about 100 wakeboarders signed up for the competition so far,” Patterson said.

The competition will be for professionals and amateurs, Patterson said. Saturday will feature preliminary rounds and Sunday will be finals.

For people who prefer other events, RiverFest also will feature a softball tournament, a freestyle BMX competition announced by Rick Thorne and a skateboard competition.

“We will have something for everyone,” Patterson said.

Several stages will be set up around the event site featuring different genres of music and entertainment for the whole family.

“Friday night will feature local bands, in keeping with the promotion of local businesses and groups,” Patterson said. “Saturday and Sunday will feature known touring acts.”

Along with the sports activities and music, RiverFest will feature booths with games, arts and crafts, food and information about local businesses.

“It's really an event to help promote local businesses,” explained vendor coordinator Troy Hiestand. “In this economy we wanted to help out as many businesses as possible.”

Booth space fees and sponsorship money will go toward the charitable organizations. Individual sellers and businesses will retain their profits after paying for the space rental.

Non-profit groups wishing to have a booth to display information should contact Hiestand or Patterson for more information.

Visit www.riverfestbhc.com for more information and to sign up as a vendor or sponsor.