Rices Landing celebrates 100 years during Riverfest
RICES LANDING – This year’s Riverfest will have special meaning as the borough along the Monongahela River celebrates its centennial. The three-day festival gets under way Friday evening at the Rices Landing lock wall with a presentation at 7 p.m. by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs to commemorate the borough’s 100th anniversary of its incorporation.
Remo Bertugli, festival chairman, said he is hoping for one of the best Riverfests yet, with entertainment and events planned for people of all ages.
The festival had its unofficial start last Sunday, when Elizabeth Carroll of Waynesburg was crowned 2003 Miss Riverfest. She also was named Miss Congeniality, and received the Top Talent Award, Top Sportswear Modeling and Top Evening Gown Modeling awards.
First runner-up was Devan Policz of Waynesburg, second runner-up was Julie Clutter of Waynesburg, third runner-up was Ashley Drew of Greensboro and fourth runner-up was Jessica McAlanis of Crucible.
Festivities begin Friday evening with music by D&S Express Music Ensemble jazz band from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, “Beach Theme Day,” will include a flea market, bingo, crafters and music throughout the day. The third annual high school weightlifting competition begins at 1:30 p.m. and runs until 4 p.m., with Scotty Spahr & Friend playing from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday features a full day of activities, including a car show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Tiny, Petite and Junior Miss Riverfest pageant from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Among the music available Sunday are Fiat, a contemporary religious band, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.; polka band Vibrations from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.; and Dan McElroy from the Sing Sing nightclub at the Waterfront in Homestead with Off Key Karaoke from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, Bertugli said, a number of activities for children are planned, but right now final preparations are still being made.
Admission to Riverfest is $2 per person, and children under 12 are admitted free. For more information, call Bertugli at 724-592-6032.