The Delaware River will be a bed of hot music mayhem as Shawnee Riverfest kicks off its third year running with a two day extravaganza July 12 and 13. Returning to the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, the event with a portion of the proceeds benefitting East Stroudsburg Salvation Army has tripled its numbers with attendance skyrocketing from 250 to 750 since its 2012 start.
Focused on providing “something for everyone” organizer Gil Coronado of CILA Management harvested a variety of artists for the stage and overall atmosphere. With bounce houses ready to entertain the little ones as Moms and Dads enjoy “A lazy Sunday afternoon listening to great music,” he explains the layout.
The Race 2 Riverfest pre-party kicks off the fun Saturday at Delaware Water Gap’s Sycamore Grille where attendees get a taste of the brilliant performers from 5 to 10 p.m.; then it’s off to rest for Riverfest.
R2R keeps on rolling Sunday featuring canoes with 30 spots open for participants at $25 apiece in a 1 1/2 mile canoe race up then down the Delaware from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Winner takes the fame and claims a prize on stage.
Noon also ushers in DJ Ruby spinning the tunes with Pocono 96.7 Radio talent Gary Smith, Elisa Chase and Christina Luna ready to convert Sunday to “Funday” at 1 p.m. as the trio MC’s Riverfest’s electrifying free concert including 10 artists from near and far.
With Special Performances by Kendall Phillips of American Idol, Mario Sebastian the brilliant musician who’s worked alongside Marc Anthony and more counting Pocono crews like the cast of Ring of Fire now playing at Shawnee Playhouse and Fusia Dance Company; Coronado is confident numbers will continue growing as Riverfest keeps flowing.
For more information visit www.shawneeriverfest.com.
