MUHLENBERG TWP., Pa.- It’s no small undertaking to put on a major event like Riverfest.
“We start the application process in January so we can start measuring as early as June so we make sure we can fit everybody,” says Kelly Gorski, Muhlenberg Twp. Parks & Recreation Program Supervisor.
It’s not just who they’re going to fit; it’s how, and then more preparation to get the grounds ready.
“It’s a lot of logistical work,” says Gorski.
“It’s also a lot for our maintenance guys, our public works crew, our parks crew; we owe a bunch of gratitude to them. They do such an amazing job cleaning up this trail. It always looks nice, but they always go the extra mile for Riverfest,” Gorski added.
This year, the food and vendor trail will be open starting Friday night, and a drone show and fireworks display are planned after the last band on Friday.
“Attendance-wise, we usually get between 22,000 and 25,000, but I think this year it’s going to be bigger because it is the 10th year and because we have so much more,” says Gorski.
The festival also has about 100 vendors, including some newer to the Riverfest scene.
“It’s Kingdom Jerky. It’s for the Heavenly kingdom; we’re a Faith-based company,” says Bobby Zerwick, owner of Kingdom Jerky.
Zerwick, his fiancée, Jess, and his daughter Penelope started Kingdom Jerky as a small-scale operation in their laundry room; since then, it’s grown quite a bit.
“Riverfest last year was our biggest event, and it’s local to us,” says Zerwick.
“We really like it; we like the atmosphere and the people,” he shared.
All the vendors are part of the variety Riverfest is known for by community members.
“We take a lot of pride in it,” says Gorski.
The festival will run Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The event is taking place at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township and is free for all attendees.