Riverfest 2021 is Saturday, June 19
From anglers, paddlers and tubers to people who love a scenic drive, Transylvania’s Upper French Broad River provides lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. This June, the Transylvania French Broad Stewards, the Town of Rosman, Conserving Carolina and Headwaters Outfitters are joining up again to put on the sixth annual Upper French Broad Riverfest, and invite residents and visitors to come spend a fun day celebrating the river.
The festival takes place June 19 from 10 am to 3:30 pm, on the riverside at Rosman’s beautiful Champion Park (6 Main Street, Rosman.) It is a free, family-oriented event with lots of hands-on games and activities for kids of all ages – including tubing rides sponsored by Headwaters Outfitters, a scavenger hunt, and more!
The French Broad at Champion Park alone provides a fun activity – with clear water shallow enough for wading. Festival goers can learn about water quality monitoring and insects from Mountain True. They can go on a bird walk with the Blue Ridge Audubon Society. They can identify macroinvertebrates with River Rangers. Or they can try their hand at fly tying with French Broad Fly Fishers. Electric vehicles will be on display by The Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition and Blue Ridge Electric Vehicle club.
Thanks to NC Wildlife Resources, Rocky the giant hellbender salamander will be returning by popular demand.
Many other vendors and exhibitors will also be taking part. Delicious food will be available from food trucks including Mama Bear’s and Babaal’s Ice Cream Shop.
Visitors who come to the park a little early can also watch the beginning of the Hellbender 20-Miler canoe relay, sponsored by Headwaters Outfitters. This race will coincide with Riverfest. River conditions permitting, the relay finishes up in the afternoon at Hap Simpson Park in Brevard.
Riverfest supporting sponsors:
(And a special thank you to Athletic Brewing for their non-alcoholic beer donation.)
Conserving Carolina is a local land trust dedicated to protecting land and water, promoting good stewardship, and creating opportunities for people to enjoy nature. Learn more and become a member at conservingcarolina.org.