Ronceverte River Festival over for another year

Fun abounded at the 2022 Ronceverte River Festival.

Locals and visitors alike enjoyed a wide array of events such as the annual ducky race, parade, live music and fireworks show. Additionally, anglers of all ages participated in the fishing derby, catching many different types of fish.

The festivities kicked off on Friday, June 10. Multiple activities geared to the younger generation, such as bounce houses, a rock wall and a euro bungee, were present to help keep kids entertained. All of these fun-filled activities were available on all three days of the festival.

According to festival organizers, tickets for the duck race sold out. This is the second year in a row that this has happened. The race was live streamed to the festival’s Facebook page, and winners were announced shortly after. Anyone who wants to see the list may do so on the Ronceverte River Festival Facebook page, where all 60 winners are listed.

Fish were swimming everywhere during the festival. Kids had the opportunity to win a goldfish or two with their tossing skills at one of the booths set up during the event. Additionally, anglers of all ages battled it out to win the fishing derby. First, second and third place was awarded in three different age categories.

The parade made its usual round through town with Grand Marshal Colleen Walton at the helm. Current and former River Festival queens, princesses and princes also joined in the fun. The parade also consisted of multiple floats, firetrucks, antique cars and even the ducky mascot.

While Batman, unfortunately, could not attend the festival this year, other characters appeared during the events. Among them were Darth Vader, Bumblebee and several others.

Local bands provided live music all three days of the festival. The lively sounds traveled throughout the area. Additionally, the festival held its second annual Sensory Saturday between 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on June 11. This relatively new event is for special needs children and adults who want to enjoy the festival without the crowds and chaos.

The 2022 Ronceverte River Festival closed with a grand fireworks display on Sunday evening. The sky lit with colorful sparkles, and The Island rumbled with the loud booms of the fireworks.

For more information about this year’s festival, visit the Ronceverte River Festival Facebook page.

Liam Dowdy on the euro bungee.

The duck mascot rides through the River Festival parade.