Saturday, June 7, RiverFest returns to Shelburne Falls, MA, an annual celebration of the Deerfield River that flows through the village in Ever-Changing Currents—what Yankee Magazine has called one of the Top 20 Massachusetts Events. It’s an entertaining, educational day-long festival in a beautiful setting, enhanced by views of Salmon Falls and hydro-power at work, the extraordinary multi-hued “glacial” potholes and the famous Bridge of Flowers.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the village streets will be filled with the music of the All-Valley Jazz Jam featuring Jill Connolly and such talented local performers as Last Night’s Fun and Belle Ami, keeping things lively throughout the day. There will be children’s games, “Macaroni Kids” activities, and a craft workshop, too—because youngsters (and the young at heart) will have a chance to get their faces painted, snazz up their outfits and march in the delightful “Frog & Flower Parade,” along with drummers and other merry folks.
Right after the parade, marchers and non-marchers alike are invited to join the fun of Piti Theatre’s latest production, “Mill Mountain River,” a tribute to the historic village of Colrain presented on stage at the Senior Center.
People of all ages will be fascinated by Medicine Mammals’ Native American songs and stories, by the live birds of prey introduced during the morning’s “WingMasters” show at the Senior Center, by the
Deerfield River Watershed Association’s (DRWA) ever-popular display tables—and by the chance to ride beautifully restored Trolley #10 and an authentic railroad pump car at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum.
Down by the river, visitors can experience the thrill of quiet-water rafting, or try their hand at fly-casting with Trout Unlimited, or hear about river safety from true experts: the U.S. Coast Guard.
Those who enjoy browsing will find treasures galore at the Arms Library book sale, the Shelburne Falls Area Women’s Club Tag Sale, and other pop-up shopping opportunities from local residents.
On Saturday evening, Pothole Pictures will present “Babies” in Memorial Hall Theatre, and on Sunday, June 8, DRWA volunteers will lead hikes through the local landscape. (Interested individuals may sign up at the RiverFest HQ Info Booth on Saturday or online at ShelburneFalls.com.)
Shelburne Falls’ many restaurants and outdoor food stands always offer a tempting range of meals and snacks, while the village’s friendly shops and galleries, and the special street vendors and informational booths set up for RiverFest, present a wide variety of intriguing offerings.
And movie fans will be able to see sites from the Paramount film “Labor Day” and the upcoming Warner Brothers release, “The Judge.”
Rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, RiverFest is the perfect way to spend a June day.
