Waltham Riverfest Aiming For Summer Fun

No rain cloud or drop of rain or other inclement weather will stop the Waltham Riverfest this year.

Organziers of the annual festival have backup plans for the festival in case bad weather strikes,

The festival, designed to showcase Waltham's attributes, will begin Friday, June 15 and end Sunday, June 17 with many events, including kayaking, food and other family fun. The festival is free, but merchandise will be available to help pay for the events' costs.

While the festival is intended to be a celebration of the city, it is also meant to showcase the city's business community and attract more economic activity to the area, according to organizer Lillian Santangelo, a member of the Downtown Waltham Partnership which hosts the festival.

"Riverfest should be celebrating downtown Waltham," Santangelo said, noting it should show people that "Waltham is a vibrant city with a great downtown."

Sarah Hankins, another festival organizer, said they hope to overcome he negative image Waltham sometimes receives for violent rime in the city by appealing to a wide demographic of individuals. To accomodate families, the events are alcohol-free, according to Hankins.

"It’s a perfect opportunity for people to come out and see that Waltham is a nice safe area especially, in the evening time,” Hankins said.

The events will include: a blessing of the Charles River, farmers markets, a wide range of musical performances and a starlight cruise among others, according to Santangelo.

Unfortuantely, Santangelo said, organizers werw unable to hold a regatta this year, as they have done in prior years.

Organizers are hoping at least 2,000 people attend, Santangelo said brimming with excitement.

"I think this is going to be a really dynamite event," Santangelo said.

Organizers are still looking for sponsors for Riverfest. For more information, email riverfest@downtownwaltham.org

Check back here for updates on the festival.