Riverfest offers free fun for the entire family

To commemorate the first anniversary of operations for Columbus, Ga., Whitewater, Uptown Columbus is hosting RiverFest Weekend May 9-10. The entire community is invited to participate in weekend-long events in Woodruff Park and along the RiverWalk in Uptown Columbus from 7 to 10 p.m. May 9 and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 10. Admission is free both days.

Starting 7 p.m. May 9, the Uptown Concert Series kicks off RiverFest Weekend, featuring The Ultimate Eagles Tribute - On the Border on the main stage at Woodruff Park.

The celebration continues at 9 a.m. May 10 as the Boy Scout Expo invades Woodruff Park with fun for all ages, featuring geocaching activities, Tomahawk throwing contest, outdoor cook-off, archery activities all while enjoying live music on the main stage throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the Chattahoochee River will come alive for the second annual Uptown Dragon Boat Race in front of the Coca-Cola Space Science Center.

Upstream will be just as lively with an array of river activities such as stand up paddling, kayak demonstrations, boatercross and, of course, rafting.

History enthusiasts enjoy the Whitewater Iron Clads demonstration at RiverWalk Island at 10 a.m., presented by the National Civil War Naval Museum. A destination for food lovers and shopaholics as well, the Dillingham Street Bridge will host food trucks, local eateries and artisan vendors galore. Starting at 7 p.m., festival-goers end the celebration with Live at the Fillmore, The Definitive Tribute to the Original Allman Brothers Band.

"Last May, we celebrated the grand opening of Whitewater in Columbus with more than 7,000 supporters from our community who came out to observe the Whitewater Grand Opening ceremony and participate in the first annual Dragon Boat Festival Race. It was truly a great day for our community. This year we are excited to announce our partnership with our Chattahoochee Boy Scout Council's annual Boy Scout Expo," said Uptown Columbus CEO Richard Bishop.

"Our plan is to make Uptown's RiverFest weekend an annual Uptown celebration. We aim to expose our community to the vast array of Uptown attractions and activities on the river, and encourage the use of the river by our residents and visitors."

For more information about Uptown's RiverFest, visit uptowncolumbusga.com.