June 23, 2011
RiverFest Opening Ceremony
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The opening ceremony for IPFW RiverFest 2011, presented by Steel Dynamics, will be held at 8:45 a.m., Saturday, June 25, near the starting line for the RiverWalk/Run, at the WAJI-MAJIC 95.1 Majic Van.
IPFW Chancellor Mike Wartell will officially open the second annual RiverFest. He will be joined in making brief remarks by city and county officials, as well as Tug Pierson, president of UPSTAR, sponsor of the RiverWalk/Run, and Judy Tillapaugh, of IPFW, who will go over the rules and route.
All the speakers will serve as the “official starters” for the 4k walk/run, which has a 9 a.m. start time. The starting line is on west Campus Drive; the ceremony will take place at the corner of West Campus Drive and South Campus Drive, at the west end of Kettler Hall.
For general RiverFest information, go to ipfwriverfest.org. For more information about the opening ceremony, contact Susan Alderman at 260-481-6165 or 260-452-9141, or aldermas@ipfw.edu.
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June 22, 2011
RiverFest Unveils New Events for 2011
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—IPFW RiverFest 2011, presented by Steel Dynamics, is designed to be much more than a fun time along, on, and above the St. Joseph River. It’s also a time to learn about the rivers in Fort Wayne and Allen County, and the quality of water all over northeas
t Indiana. At a news conference this morning (Wednesday, June 22), Irene Walters, director of RiverFest outlined the new events at this year’s festival.
“The biggest new thing is the 500 foot Zip Line that will cross the St. Joe River right next to the Ron Venderly Family Bridge!” said Walters. The zip line will be open for three days, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with rides costing $15; Sunday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Monday, June 27, from noon to 8 p.m. Rides on Sunday and Monday are two for $20. Sponsors for the Zip Line are Visit Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Metals, Omnisource, the Fort Wayne–Allen County Airport Authority, Indiana Michigan Power, and the Holiday Inn at IPFW.
Walters also discussed the inaugural Artist’s Rockin’ Chair Auction, in which eight rocking chairs, decorated by local artists, will be available in a silent auction, with the highest bidders announced Saturday night at 8 p.m. The chairs and their artists were introduced at the news conference.
The other new event this year is the Boat Show, which will take place in the parking lot along West Campus Drive. All sorts of boats will on display, including the world champion Formula Boat, Miss Budweiser H-I Unlimited Hydroplane.
Also at the news conference, Dan Wire of Friends of the Rivers, talked about how the different organizations promoting water quality and conservation will benefit from RiverFest. The organizations will have four different education stations scattered throughout the RiverFest grounds with information, games, and activities.
Returning favorites include the 4k RiverWalk/Run, FamilyFest in its new location in front of Kettler Hall, ArtFest, Food Fest, SplashFest, and RockFest. Hours for RockFest this year are noon to midnight, with 14 area bands performing on two stages.
For more information on RiverFest, go to ipfw.riverfest.org or call Louise Teague, RiverFest project manager, at 260-481-6495 or teaguel@ipfw.edu.
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June 15, 2011
Rockin’ Chairs to be Unveiled at RiverFest News Conference
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Members of the media are invited to a news conference for IPFW RiverFest 2011, presented by Steel Dynamics, Wednesday, June 22, at 11:30 a.m. at the east end of the Ron Venderly Family Bridge on the IPFW campus.
The news conference will include remarks from IPFW Chancellor Michael Wartell, RiverFest director Irene Walters, Rick Poinsatte from Steel Dynamics, and others. Sponsors, members of the steering committee, and volunteers will also be recognized.
The highlight of the news conference will be the “unveiling” of hand-painted rockin’ chairs and the artists who created them. The chairs will be sold to the highest bidders in a silent auction at RiverFest.
For general more information contact Louise Teague at 260-481-6495 or teaguel@ipfw.edu.
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June 14, 2011
SplashFest at IPFW RiverFest 2011 Offers Something for Everyone!
Boaters Invited to Join the Fun!
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—IPFW RiverFest 2011, presented by Steel Dynamics, is all about rediscovering Fort Wayne’s rivers. During SplashFest, sponsored by Swiss Re, festival-goers can take a canoe, kayak, or pontoon ride in provided watercraft or they can bring their own boats for a cruise on the river.
Race events featuring canoes and kayaks, as well as demonstrations of other water craft, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about individual races.
Other river activities including those rides on the river begin at 10 a.m.
Those who want to bring their own power or pontoon boats are invited to launch at Shoaff Park and head downstream to the fun at RiverFest. Dan Wire, of Friends of the Rivers, advises boaters to “navigate just to the right of river center for plenty of depth for motor operation. When you arrive at RiverFest, onshore tie-ups will be provided. These will be just north of the Ron Venderly Family Bridge on the east bank; they will be marked with red streamers. Secure the bow of your boat to the tie-off and anchor your stern offshore.”
Events of particular interest to boaters include the float plane landing and water ski show from 1 to 2 p.m. Boaters are asked to move to either shore and stop motoring during these events.
A flotilla or boat parade will begin at 9 p.m. at the Venderly Bridge. It will travel upstream to St. Joe Center Road then back to the IPFW campus. Boaters who want to be in the flotilla are invited to decorate their boats with flags, streamers, and lights to enjoy the fun. Floating cauldrons of fire will be lit at 10:30 p.m. and burn until midnight. Boaters are asked to travel a safe distance from the open fires. Also at 10:30 p.m., the Lutheran Health Network Fireworks Display begins. Staying upstream of the Venderly Bridge and close to the east bank will provide you with a great view of the show from a safe distance.
If there are any questions about taking part in the flotilla, send them to riverfest@ipfw.edu.
RiverFest is a one-day festival celebrating our rivers with music, art, family, food, and fun along the St. Joseph River on the IPFW campus.
The mission of IPFW RiverFest is to preserve, protect and promote Fort Wayne’s rivers by raising awareness through education and fun. This event will stimulate interest in preserving our city’s rivers and supporting initiatives of the Fort Wayne Friends of the River.
For general RiverFest information, contact Louise Teague at 260-481-6495 or teaguel@ipfw.edu.
Downloadable photos of SplashFest 2010 activities are available at: http://bit.ly/kHykNo.
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June 13, 2011
RiverFest Adds Exciting Zzzzzzzzip Line
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—What better way to see the St. Joseph River than from a bird’s eye view? People attending IPFW RiverFest 2011, presented by Steel Dynamics, will get that opportunity thanks to a brand new addition to the entertainment line up: a zip line!
The 500 foot zip line, sponsored by Visit Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Metals, Omnisource, the Fort Wayne–Allen County Airport Authority, and the Holiday Inn at IPFW, will be set up on the east side of the St. Joseph River near the Ron Venderly Family Bridge, with patrons zipping over to the west bank.
The ride will be open for three days beginning with RiverFest, Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at a cost of $15 per ride. Sunday, June 26, the zip line will operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, June 27, from noon to 8 p.m., with two rides for $20. Riders must weigh between 70 and 270 pounds. Other health restrictions, such pregnancy, may prohibit participants from taking the ride. All those taking the ride must sign a waiver before zipping off.
For more information on the zip line, contact Dennis Robinson or Dan O’Connell at Visit Fort Wayne at 260-424-3700 or go to visitfortwayne.com/news.aspx/zip-on-down-to-riverfest.
For general RiverFest information, go to ipfwriverfest.org or contact Louise Teague at 260-481-6495 or teaguel@ipfw.edu.
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June 7, 2011
RockFest to be Bigger, Badder, Better
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—RockFest will turn up the volume on 14 of Fort Wayne’s best and most entertaining bands, Saturday, June 25, during IPFW’s RiverFest 2011 presented by Steel Dynamics. It’s going to be an afternoon and evening jam-packed with the best of pop, rock, and classic rock bands from this area. Two stages, sponsored by Tower Bank and Sweetwater, will allow the music to keep flowing for a non-stop concert event with the St. Joseph River serving as the backdrop. As midnight grows near, the fabulous music will be joined by the thunder and lightening of the Lutheran Health Network fireworks display as it illuminates the sky.
Here is the schedule for the bands:
12:05-12:50 Backwater (Southern Rock)
12:55-1:40 Sugar Shot (Country)
1:45-2:30 Frankly Scarlet (Rock)
2:40-3:10 Big Caddy Daddy (Rock)
3:15-4 April’s Alibi (Rock)
4:05-4:55 Dirty Lixx (Classic Rock)
5-5:45 Sum Morz (Pop/Rock)
5:50-6:35 North River Agents (Americana)
6:45-7:30 Borrowed Time (Classic Rock)
7:40-8:25 Danger Field (Rock)
8:30-9:15 Crush (Rock)
9:20-10 Flashing Lights (Rock)
10-10:35 AfroDisiacs (Live World/Jazz)
10:40-midnight Dance Floor Freaks (Twisted Classic Rock)
RockFest’s media sponsor is Rock 104 FM and its production sponsor is Rider Productions. For more information on RockFest contact Mark Carboni, RockFest committee chair, at mtcarboni@aol.com or go to the RockFest page on the website
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May 31, 2011
ArtFest and FoodFest at IPFW RiverFest 2011Will Please All Palettes
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—What tickles your taste buds? No matter if it’s modern, fusion, Southern, traditional, Craftsman, continental, country-kitsch, organic, or something completely different, you’ll be sure to please your palette at both ArtFest and FoodFest sponsored by Frontier at the 2011 IPFW RiverFest presented by Steel Dynamics, Saturday, June 25.
If your taste runs to fine arts and crafts, you’re sure to enjoy ArtFest along the east bank of the St. Joseph River. You can leisurely browse and shop the booths of regional fine artists and craftspeople whose wares will be on display as they sell unique and creative items. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of mediums including sculpture, painting, jewelry, ceramics, glass, wood, stone, and many others. Artisans will be set up and ready to greet you at 10 a.m.
If your taste runs to actual food, everything from fresh-picked vegetables to traditional festival favorites will be available at FoodFest from 10 a.m. to midnight on the east side of the St. Joseph River. Whether you’re a meat lover, a coffee fanatic, a health food aficionado, or just in search of the perfect junk food experience, FoodFest won’t disappoint your taste buds.
For those who like their foo
ds straight from the garden, the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) are once again sponsoring The Barr Street Market at RiverFest 2011. The market will offer a wide variety of high-quality local farm and craft products from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To see samples of ArtFest entries, go to ipfwriverfest.org/events/artfest . For more information on FoodFest, go to ipfwriverfest.org/events/riverfeast. For general information, go to ipfwriverfest.org or contact Louise Teague at 260-481-6495 or teaguel@ipfw.edu.
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May 24, 2011
FamilyFest Grows at IPFW RiverFest 2011
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—If you’re looking for a great way to entertain the entire family without admission or parking costs, the FamilyFest area at IPFW’s RiverFest 2011, presented by Steel Dynamics, is the place to be, Saturday, June 25.
FamilyFest, which is sponsored by Parkview, has a new location, on the east side of the St. Joseph River, in front of Kettler Hall on
IPFW’s main campus. The fun begins at 10 in the morning and continues on until 8 in the evening. An exciting array of fun and interactive activities for kids of all ages awaits FamilyFest goers, including carnival games, hands-on learning activities and crafts that feature Fort Wayne’s history and rivers, and even an inflatable obstacle course and rock-climbing wall from IPFW’s ROTC.
Special activities include:
- Scuba lessons for kids 12 and up from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Samaritan helicopter (weather permitting) from 11 a.m.–noon
- Cookie eating contest at noon
- Ice cream eating contest at 3 p.m.
- Hot air tethered balloon rides (weather permitting) from 6–8 p.m.
For a complete list of activities and event sponsors, go to ipfwriverfest.org/events/familyfest.
For more information, contact Louise Teague, RiverFest project coordinator, at 260-481-6495 or teaguel@ipfw.edu. For downloadable photos, go to http://bit.ly/jHmsaE.
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May 17, 2011
RiverWalk/Run to Kick Off RiverFest 2011
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The second annual IPFW RiverFest RiverWalk/Run 4 km (2.5 miles), sponsored by UPSTAR, is set for Saturday morning, June 25, on the Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) campus. The RiverWalk/Run is the first official event of IPFW RiverFest 2011, sponsored by Steel Dynamics, and is a family friendly walk and run with the “Go Fetch” animal card game, live music, and learning experiences along the course. Participants will travel a scenic course along the River Greenway trails, campus sidewalks, and student housing. It will be a great way to start the day!
Anyone interested in taking part can sign up by completing and returning the registration form, available at ipfwriverfest.org/events/riverwalkrun. Registration is only $5 per person or $15 for a family of four, and there is a $10 additional fee for a RiverFest t-shirt. RiverFest towels will be given to the first 300 participants.
RiverRun/Walk Details:
- 7:30 a.m.: Registration/check in begins
- 9 a.m.: 4 km begins on the main IPFW entrance drive
- 10:30 a.m.: Awards
Awards:
- Top 10 scores in the “Go Fetch” Animal Card Challenge Game
- First place male and female, ages 14 and under
- First place male and female, ages 15 and older
- First place male and female wheelchair participants
The RiverFest RiverWalk/Run is sponsored by UPSTAR Realtors. Additional support is provided by the IPFW Department of Athletics, Recreation, and Intramural Sports; Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation; Historic Fort Wayne Inc.; Fort Wayne Trails; Friends of The Rivers; and City of Fort Wayne.
Go to ipfwriverfest.org for complete RiverFest information. For more information on the RiverWalk/Run, contact Judy Tillapaugh at 260-481-6647 or tillapau@ipfw.edu.
May 12, 2011
IPFW RiverFest 2011, Presented by Steel Dynamics, Adds New Events
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The entire community is invited to the Indiana University–Purdue University (IPFW) campus for RiverFest 2011, sponsored by Steel Dynamics, Saturday, June 25. It will be a day of festivity and celebration of Fort Wayne’s rivers, one of our most prominent natural resources. Families will enjoy art, nature, history, sports, games, and water activities including river rides, races, and a ski show. Music enthusiasts will rock with performances by live bands from noon until midnight. The day will culminate with a pontoon flotilla and fireworks display. This event will stimulate interest in preserving our city’s rivers and supporting the initiatives of the Fort Wayne Friends of the Rivers.
New to RiverFest 2011 is the Artists Rockin’ Chair Auction, sponsored by Do It Best. Eight local artists will offer one-of-a-kind hand-painted rockin’ chairs to the highest bidders. The proceeds from the sale of these original Adirondack rockers will benefit Fort Wayne Friends of the Rivers. The silent auction will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with the winning bids announced at 8 p.m.
Also new this summer will be a Boat Show both Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26. All types of boats will be on display, including the world champion Formula Boats Miss Budweiser H1 Unlimited Hydroplane.
Returning favorites are the River Walk/Run, sponsored by Upstar. This family-friendly 4 km (2.5 mile) walk/run through IPFW along the River Greenway trails and campus sidewalks gets started with registration at 7:30 a.m. The walk/run itself begins at 9 a.m. There is a fee of $5 per person or $15 for a family of four, with $5 for each additional person, plus an additional $10 for a RiverFest t-shirt. Registration forms are available at ipfwriverfest.org or by calling 260-481-6647.
FamilyFest, sponsored by Parkview, gets started at 10 a.m. and continues with extended hours this year to 8 p.m. Lots of hands-on games, crafts, inflatables, and fun learning activities about water, nature, the history of our city, and much more will be offered.
FoodFest, sponsored by Frontier, will have concessions for everyone: meat lovers, health food enthusiasts, yummy favorites for kids, home-baked goods and treats for adults, along with coffee, soft drinks, and beer. FoodFest also features the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) Barr Street Market, offering a wide variety of local produce and crafts; the vendors only sell what they make or grow themselves.
SplashFest, sponsored by Swiss Re, offers canoe and kayak races and rides, pontoon rides, a water ski show in the afternoon, and an evening pontoon flotilla. All water activities begin at 10 a.m.
ArtFest, sponsored by Frontier, is a fine art and crafts show and sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regional artisans will offer unique and creative art and craft items. Stoll along the river on the tree-lined path and enjoy original products for sale including jewelry, wood, pottery, photography, paintings, garden items, IPFW student artwork, and more.
RockFest gets underway at noon and continues until midnight. Fourteen of the most entertaining pop, rock, and classic rock bands in northeast Indiana will perform on two stages sponsored by Tower Bank and Sweetwater, providing non-stop music as well as a musical backdrop for the fireworks.
Fireworks Display, sponsored by Lutheran Health Network, blasts off at 10 p.m. with lanterns, luminaries, and cauldrons of fire on the St. Joseph River. The fireworks get underway at 10:30 p.m.
RiverFest 2011 media sponsors are WANE-TV, WXKE-FM Rock 104, WAJI Majic 95.1, Fort Wayne Newspapers, and KPC Media Group. Further details of individual events will be released over the next several weeks.
For more information, contact Louise Teague, RiverFest project coordinator, at 260-481-6495 or teaguel@ipfw.edu, or go to ipfwriverfest.org.
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