Lefty Williams Band kicks off Riverfront Nights after a tribute to Chattanooga's Fallen Five. SATURDAY

Tribute to the Fallen Five precedes first show in the series

The Lefty Williams Band may set the bar for the headliners to follow in the 2016 edition of Riverfront Nights, but it will be the tribute to Chattanooga’s Fallen Five that sets the tone for the first concert.

The series opener will carry the theme “Chattanooga Remembers,” continuing a day of remembrance presented by the city of Chattanooga and Mayor Andy Berke.

The Riverfront Nights memorial ceremony will be in honor of the five servicemen who died on July 16, 2015. Before the headliner takes the stage at 7 p. m., Riverfront Nights will feature a manning of the rail (a Navy practice for rendering honors), presentation of colors and singing of the national anthem.

Local band Tim & Reece will follow the memorial presentation at 7: 15 p. m. Williams’ band will take the stage at 8 p.m., playing the Southern rock Williams has showcased on “Big Plans” in 2006, “Snake Oil” in 2008 and “All In” in 2014.

The f ree, si x- week series at Ross’s Landing is presented by Friends of the Festival, which produces Riverbend. In addition to live music, the series showcases organizations that promote healthy lifestyles, sustainable practices and outdoor adventure recreation.

The Pup Tent at The Dog Pound will feature a VIP area for dogs and t heir human companions. A Wild Trails Running and Paddling Fitness Challenge will include a 7- mile paddle trip from Chickamauga Dam to the Wild Trails corner at Ross’s Landing (free shuttle to the dam leaves at 4:30 p.m.), a 2-mile paddle around Maclellan Island, a 5K road run at 5:30 p.m. and an 8- mile half- road/ half-trail run on Stringer’s Ridge at 5 p.m. Chattanooga Paddleboards will have rentals on-site.

FACEBOOK PHOTO Southern rocker Lefty Williams and his band will headline the first concert in the six-week Riverfront Nights series.