Community and the riverfront to be celebrated at RiverFest
NEW MILFORD, Conn. — Those looking for a traditional New England autumn activity can turn their attention to New Milford this weekend.
New Milford RiverFest will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Young’s Field, along the banks of the Housatonic River.
Since 2018, RiverFest has celebrated community and the beauty of the Housatonic River. The event highlights the riverfront area and its connections to downtown.
Riverfest is organized by the town’s Riverfront Revitalization Committee and the Mayor's Office.
“This year’s event promises to be better than ever,” said Riverfront Revitalization Chairman Liba Furhman. “This year has so many events, including a lineup of the area’s favorite entertainers, a 5K River Run and Kids Superhero Sprint, Bingo, great food trucks, family entertainment and new this year, the New Milford Safe Walk.”
In addition, offerings will include arts and crafts vendors, community organization booths, children’s games and activities, live music and entertainment, and a beer and wine tap garden.
On Saturday at 11 a.m., Mayor Pete Bass will welcome Safe Walk participants who will unite the community in creating safer communities free from interpersonal violence.
Funds raised at the walk will help to support the no-cost and confidential services offered by The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) to victims experiencing domestic or sexual violence.
Later that day, the New Milford River Run 5K & Kids’ Superhero Sprint will take place, with the kids’ run to start at 4 p.m. It is open to kids 10 and under. Participants are invited to dress up like their favorite superhero and then run around the tennis and basketball courts and a short distance on the grass.
The USATF-certified 5K will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Young’s Field Road, head along Housatonic Avenue and onto Boardman Road to the overpass, then return on the same route, ending on Young’s Field.
To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewMilford/Run4TheRiver.
Returning for its second year will be the Spirits of New Milford 250 that will haunt RiverFest all weekend with visits from — and stories of — ghostly friends from the Revolutionary era, along with interactive games for children and adults.
The historic reenactment is presented by members of the Roger Sherman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution and the New Milford Celebrates America 250 Committee.
Furhman said that Riverfest receives support from the community and its businesses.
This year, the law firm of Cramer & Anderson, LLP is a gold sponsor.
“New Milford is a great place to live and is welcoming to businesses,” said Attorney Dan Casagrande. “Everyone benefits from the ongoing initiatives to create a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable riverfront that’s more connected to the town center.”
“Our flagship office is located on the Green in the 1793 Elijah Boardman house, so we get to enjoy the historic town center every day and see the exciting things happening along the riverfront,” he said.
Other sponsors include Bank Street Theater, Ives Bank and New Milford Commission on the Arts as silver sponsors; Litchfield Crossings and Union Savings Bank as bronze sponsors; and All American Waste and the Setaro Law firm as copper sponsors.
To view the complete event schedule, including musical entertainment, visit www.NMRiverfest.org.
Registration information for the 5K River Run, Kid’s Super Hero Sprint and New Milford Safe Walk can also be found on the website.
With RiverFest “taking place along the banks of Housatonic River in New Milford, which is the gateway to Litchfield County, and the historic Downtown Village Center, with its popular restaurants and diverse retail offerings, this event highlights the heart of New Milford’s community,” Furhman said.
While admission is free, a suggested donation of $5 per person are appreciated.
RiverFest is an all-volunteer effort, and depends on community members to plan and staff the event.
