By BROOKE STEVENSON
Sunday Times Newspapers
RIVERVIEW — Some changes will be made during Summerfest this year to celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary.
The event’s theme will be “Celebrating 50 years of Riverview” during festivities from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Young Patriots Park.
In addition to the festival’s normal fare, the Recreation Department has added a Riverview Community Celebration Mural and a 50 Year Memorabilia Booth.
All children who attend Summerfest are invited to help paint the mural, located in the middle of the festival area, during festival hours. It will feature an outlined picture depicting typical Summerfest activities like fireworks, classic cars, children and bands, Recreation Director Todd Dickman said.
The memorabilia booth will feature photos and items that chronicle the past 50 years Riverview has been a city.
The 50-year celebration during Summerfest will be the only anniversary event the city holds this year.
“We’re not going overboard this year because of the economic times and the city’s budget constraints,” Dickman said.
In addition to the anniversary celebration, many of the regular attractions will take place as well.
Some of the offerings on Friday include the Fire Department’s open house, kayak rides, a free children’s zone, Whispering Pines Animal Kingdom, a free classic car show and craft booths. Fifty Amp Fuse will perform from 7 to 10 p.m Friday, and the fireworks will take place immediately after.
On Saturday a Fishing Derby will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Reflection Pond. Four age groups can participate in the derby: 6 and younger, 7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 16.
Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish in each age group and will include fishing poles, reels, assorted tackle and gift certificates.
The Riverview Crusin’ Downriver Egg Drop will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Contestants can create and design a container that can be dropped from 35 to 50 feet without breaking a raw egg inside. Registration is free at the Recreation Department office in City Hall. Contest rules, information and registration are now available at the department office, or participants can register between noon and 12:45 p.m. Saturday.
This year’s Movie in the Park will feature “Night at the Museum” in Young Patriots Part at dusk Saturday.
Alternative parking for Summerfest will be available at Seitz Middle School, with a shuttle bus to the event.asion show is ‘Hung.’ You know it is not a G-rated series.”