Riverside City History
Riverfest

The Riverside fall festival known today as Riverfest was founded in 1976 as a fun weekend for young people. Loo Rodeberg, Riverside Alderman, came to a meeting one night and expressed the long-held wish that Riverside should have a festival for children and young people. But there was little revenue and starting from scratch was a major challenge. Thankfully, then Mayor E.H. "Ed" Young and Alderman David Brenner said they would help. These three – Young, Brenner and Rodeberg – were the founders of today's Riverfest.

Lack of funding was a real issue. Mayor Young became a major supporter, using his own funds to ensure that the festival got off the ground. Other local residents came forward, making donations and building by hand the games and activity booths that were a key to the early festival. The clown toss, rope ladder, beauty contest stage and other festival highlights were made possible through these hands-on contributions.

Other volunteers searched throughout the metropolitan area for affordable prizes: candy, rubber snakes, stick-on "tattoos" and Halloween teeth were the most popular prizes. These prizes were often seen for days after the festival in the hand of Riverside children. During the festival itself, volunteers from throughout the community were "victims" in the dunk tank or helped by operating other games and activities.

The first festival was held on Sept. 4, 1976 and was a major success. The festival saw 700-800 participants arriving despite a virtual absence of advance publicity. The theme that year was "Riverside: Our Hometown." Organizers began immediately to plan for the second year.

In the festivals third year (1978), the city of Riverside agreed to support the growing effort by underwriting activities with a $500 contribution. More prizes could be purchased and, with the handiwork of people like Dick Grogan, games such as the bottle throw were added.

In the early 1980s, Riverside's Pride and Progress committee was in full swing and operation of the festival was a natural responsibility for this organization. Under their guidance, the list of activities grew with popular events such as mud volleyball. The year of 1981 saw the first parade, an activity that also reflected the festival's emphasis on children and young people. The bulk of the parade consisted of children on decorated bicycles and tricycles, an event that finally drew some area press coverage because of the unique emphasis on children.

Citywide support for the festival continued to grow, with individuals, businesses and organizations contributing directly or through in-kind donations. The original $500 budget had grown to $2,000, allowing more prizes, fireworks and activities.

In 2001 the city of Riverside contributed $10,000, allowing activities that would have been impossible in 1976. That growth also took a dramatic turn in 1999 with the incorporation of a formal non-profit group to operate the festival, Riverside Riverfest and Development Corporation. Creation of this group not only allows tax-deductible donations but also the possibility of other events, such as a spring festival, July 4th or other special event. All of these changes and improvements have contributed to the primary emphasis of Riverfest; to provide a good time for everyone in the community, especially children.

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