In Conway鈥檚 early days, the 黑料社入口 was a working river, serving an inland seaport. Warehouses lined the town wharf, where steamboats and coastal schooners docked.
Today the river is all about fun, a watery playground for locals and tourists, and the inspiration for the city鈥檚 biggest celebration, the Conway Riverfest.
Riverfest is the signature event hosted by the Conway Chamber of Commerce, debuting in 1980. It鈥檚 held on the last Saturday in June, and billed as a celebration of the red, white and blue that signals the start of the Fourth of July holidays on the Grand Strand.
It鈥檚 a full day of fun on Saturday, June 28, starting with 鈥淧addle Battle River Races" at 10 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m., and culminating with a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display that the chamber describes as an 鈥渆xtravaganza鈥 that will color the sky.
Fittingly, the event is held at Riverfront Park, but it spills out onto the adjoining streets, attracting large crowds.
鈥淣ot only does Conway Riverfest bring residents out in full force, it also welcomes visitors from across the region, giving our local businesses a boost during the summer season,鈥 said June Wood, spokesperson for the city of Conway.
Entertainment and live music are a big part of the attraction.
This year, 1980s arena rockers Night Ranger, whose hits include Sister Christian and Don鈥檛 Tell Me You Love Me, are the headliners, taking the stage from 8-9:30 p.m.
Other acts include local rockers Matt Parker and The Deacons from 5-6 p.m., and bluegrass/electronic duo The Spooklights out of Columbia, Missouri from 6-7:30 p.m.
Other local performers will include Miss Kathleen鈥檚 Voice Studio at noon, the Theatre of the Republic at 1 p.m., Carolina Rhythm and Tap at 1:30 p.m. and a disc jockey from 2-4 p.m.
The Paddle Battle River Races are new to the Riverfest, with competition in three watercraft categories 鈥 kayak, canoe and paddle boards.
The races cover 1.5 miles of water, beginning and ending at the Riverwalk Extension near the Highway 905 bridge.
Awards will be given to the top two male and female finishers in four age groups 鈥 12-17, 18-30, 31-50 and 51 and up. Proceeds from the entry fees will be used to purchase a canoe/kayak launch from the Riverwalk.
Another popular part of Riverfest is the annual Golf Cart Parade which starts at 11:30 a.m.
The parade route includes Second Avenue and Marina Drive ending at Riverfront Park. Trophies are awarded for the most original, most patriotic, most spirited and best overall golf carts.
Other highlights include a kids zone, a business expo, an artisans market, food trucks and a cornhole tournament that begins at noon.
Wood said there鈥檚 something for everybody, 鈥渨hether you鈥檙e enjoying live music, browsing local vendors, grabbing a bite from food trucks or participating in family friendly activities.鈥
Schedule of Events
10 a.m. 鈥 Paddle Battle River Races
11 a.m. 鈥 Opening Ceremonies
11:30 a.m. 鈥 Golf Cart Parade
Noon 鈥 Miss Kathleen鈥檚 Voice Studio
Noon 鈥 Cornhole Tournament
1 p.m. 鈥 Theatre of the Republic
1:30 p.m. 鈥 Carolina Rhythm and Tap
2-4 p.m. 鈥 Wave 104.1 DJ
5-6 p.m. 鈥 Matt Parker and the Deacons
6-7:30 p.m. 鈥 The Spooklights
8-9:30 p.m. 鈥 Night Ranger
9:30 p.m. 鈥 Fireworks Extravaganza
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.