RiverFest in Conway, June 29 & 30. Boat parade, fireworks, live music, food, arts and more!
By Tina Gerrald
The patriotic golf cart parade is a favorite for all ages.
The Conway Chamber of Commerce will host the 2012 Riverfest Celebration on Friday, June 29 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Conway’s Riverfront Park and Saturday, June 30 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Horry County’s Historic Courthouse and Conway’s Riverfront Park. Riverfest is Conway’s longest running festival and celebrates Independence Day with festivities for the entire family. This year’s event is presented by HTC, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, and The City of Conway.
Home made river rafts battle it out on the Waccamaw.
Riverfest is filled with live entertainment and fun filled activities. Friday night enjoy the music of local favorite party band Tru Sol at the Riverfront Park and a lighted night boat parade along Conway’s historical riverfront. On Saturday the Historic Courthouse lawn will host the Agape Senior Gospel Stage and the Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Bluegrass stage from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The two stages will feature local church groups and performers as well as heritage Bluegrass groups. Saturday night the Miller-Monte Technical College stage will host three musical acts including headliner Ty Herndon. At 5:30 p.m. local band RetroGrade welcomes visitors to the Riverfront Park performing covers of popular songs and a few originals. The Davisson Brothers Band takes the stage next with their unique blend of Country, Southern Rock, and Bluegrass.
Enjoy a unique blend of country, southern rock and bluegrass with the Davisson Brothers.
Then at 8:30 p.m. Palmetto Chevrolet presents country music artist Ty Herndon. With over four million in sales, Herndon’s top hits include “What Mattered Most,” “Hands of a Working Man” and “Living in a Moment.”
Residents and visitors to the area are encouraged to attend and enjoy the following activities and attractions:
• Patriotic Boat Parade – Friday, 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park
• Riverfest Fishing Tournament – Weigh-in: Saturday, 4 p.m. at Horry County Judicial Complex parking area
• Car Show – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Elm Street
• Patriotic Golf Cart Parade – Saturday, 11 a.m. at Historic Courthouse
• Artisans Market – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Historic Courthouse
• Business Expo – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Historic Courthouse
• Jell-O Jump – Saturday, 1 p.m. at Historic Courthouse
• Kids Zone including Inflatables, Pony Rides, WARM Farm Animal Exhibit, Children Games and more – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Historic Courthouse
• River Raft Race – Saturday, 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park
• Fireworks Extravaganza – Saturday, 10 p.m. at Riverfront Park
Searching for that big fish! The Riverfront Bass Tournament is a tradition for local fishermen.
All areas with the exception of the peninsula within the Riverfront Park are zoned alcohol free.
Admission is free to the Friday night concert and Saturday activities at the Horry County Historical Courthouse. Saturday night’s concert at the Riverfront Park will have an admission fee of $5 per person; children 12 and under are free. Chairs are welcomed and recommended within all stage areas.
Coolers and pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed.
More information about the 2012 Riverfest is available by visiting www.ConwaySCChamber.com/Riverfest or by calling the Conway Chamber Office at 843-248-2273 or 866-566-9336.
River Paddle Set For June 30
Waccamaw RiverKeeper Christine Ellis has announced that the If the River Could Talk Paddle will take place on Saturday, June 30 in concert with Conway’s RiverFest.
Scheduled launch for the If the River Could Talk Paddle is at 9 a.m. (Photo Christine Ellis)
Launch is at 9 a.m. with a 1 p.m. return. Travel through Kingston Lake and Crabtree Swamp on Conway’s Blue Trail. The excursion is free if you bring your own kayak or canoe. Rental kayaks are available through Conway Kayak Company. Advance reservations are required (first come, first served).
More information is available at www.winyahrivers.org or by calling the RiverKeeper at 843-349-4007.