Planning t o make new Riverwalk Festival memorable for residents, visitors.
Fun for family
Autumn splendor will soon be splashed across Polk County with October’s annual showcase of harvest bounty, cooler weather and colorful foliage.
The month also bring plans for a different type of festival that will spotlight the scenic beauty of downtown Rockmart and encourage visitors to stop and enjoy J. L. Lester and Seaborn Jones parks during the inaugural “Riverwalk Festival on the Euharlee.”
Euharlee Creek is a part of the City’s history. Senior citizens can remember the days when they enjoyed a picnic beneath the tall oak trees that grow in the park and perhaps go wading in the cool, clear water. Today, it still draws the interest of home folks and visitors who pause on the walking bridge to listen to the sounds of a free running stream.
The Riverwalk Festival is scheduled from noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
Plans are to provide people of all ages a stroll through the past and present by showcasing the art and craftsmanship of local and regional artists. For vendor information, call Laura Bates at 770684-5888 or email her at lbates@rockmart-ga.gov.
Riverwalk’s music line up includes Heirborn Quartet, which traces its history back to 1993. Prior to that time, they traveled several years as the Glorybound Quartet. While recording their second project, producers suggested a name change. Heirborn follows the idea that each member of the group is born “heirs of the King.”
The VaudeVillains, an Atlanta based string trio with classic southern charm, will perform at 1 p.m. Whether you call their style “dixie jazz,” “western swing,” “traditional country” or “hillbilly jazz” does not matter. They play original arrangements and creative covers of classic songs in their own unique style.
Other featured artists will be The Pea Valley Flyers at 2 p.m. and Scarlet Wool at 3 p.m. Both groups are wellknown favorites, which has a style people are sure to enjoy during an afternoon of music.
Riverwalk will also feature food vendors and even a fried pie competition. Judges will select the best of peach, apple or sweet potato treats that are straight from the kitchen of local home cooks.
Additionally, there are special events for children, including inflatables and games. For those who would like to view what the community offers, horse carriage rides will be available.
Organizers emphasize that there is a full slate of activities planned with fun for the entire family, including visiting relatives.
“It is similar to Beaver Creek, which was once held near Rockmart,” said one planner. “It was unique in that it was held during a colorful season of the year.”
And, the Premiere Homespun Fireworks Extravaganza, sponsored by Floyd Polk Medical Center, has been rescheduled to coincide with the festival. The fireworks show can be seen at 8:30 p.m.
Mayor Steve Miller said the Riverwalk Festival is a shared vision of local officials and community leaders. Plans are to spotlight the area – downtown Rockmart - where many successful events are held annually.
“The fall festival is planned to attract more people to our community,” he said. “And, the welcome mat is spread.”