Consider it a celebration of Summer …

All of the elements – Music, Food and Fun – as Riverfest Kicks Off Friday on the banks of the Red Lake River at Hartz Park in Thief River Falls.

New to the event this year – Kayak Racing – with registration Saturday Morning at Hartz Park. Event Organizer, Derek Mogan, says the starting point will be Hartz Park, turning a buoy a mile down river at Oakland Park and back to Hartz Park with a prize purse of $100 to the fastest finisher with racing set to begin at 10am.

More than 50 craft vendors will also be featured Saturday from 8:30am to 5pm, with a Pancake Breakfast serving Saturday from 7:30 to 10:30pm – the Digi-Key Chili Cook-Off Saturday at noon – and the Riverfest BarBQue Challenge Friday beginning at 6pm and Saturday at 5pm.

The specialty Craft Beer Garden will be featured beginning at 5:00pm Friday and Saturday at noon, but it is live music throughout that highlights the event, in the natural amphitheater of Hartz Park.

Riverfest – admission free Friday and Saturday at Hartz Park – Lovers Lane – in Thief River Falls.