East Brady Riverfest begins with a parade
EAST BRADY, ARMSTRONG COUNTY — There was not a worry — or shirt with sleeves — that could be found on Ferry Street as East Brady community ushered in its 38th annual Riverfest parade and street fair.
“It’s just nice to see everyone come out and have a good time,” said lifelong resident of East Brady, Lori Hill, who has been attending Riverfest for the past decade. “I don’t remember it being this hot, but it’s still a fun time.”
The Riverfest kicked off on Friday in East Brady with a parade that featured the Karns City High School marching band, decorated golf carts and ATVs, classic muscle cars and, of course, fire trucks.
Hill could not contain her excitement when seeing the local fire department cruise down the street, giving a standing ovation and shouting words of encouragement.
“You know what, I was so excited for the fire departments,” Hill said. “You have to give them an egging on, to let them know how proud we are of them.”
Debbie Henry, who has lived in East Brady all of her life, found the parade to be “fantabalous.”
“We need this in East Brady,” Henry said. “Everyone comes out and meets each other. It’s a good time.”
Following the parade, Ferry Street turned in to a celebration that had something both adults and children could enjoy.
Vendors of all kinds lined the street, and children had their own “Kids Corner,” which featured bouncy houses, a train ride, games and even a bubble fountain.
“This is perfect,” Grady Coleston of Chicora said. “It’s a great chance for the kids to cool off.”
To wrap up the events, festival-goers enjoyed a live performance by the band “In the Now,” which performed on the All-Stars Bar and Restaurant’s parking lot stage.
Luane McAnallen, owner of All-Stars Bar and Restaurant and committee member for the festival, was able to see the payoff of the hard work she and her committee put in to make sure this year’s festival was a success.
“It’s a fun time,” McAnallen said. “We like to try to bring the community together and have fun for a couple of days.”
On Saturday, the festivities continue from noon to 11 p.m., with a DJ on the main stage from noon to 5 p.m.
In addition to vendors, prizes and the Kids Corner, carriage rides run throughout the day starting at Farmer’s National Bank at a cost of $5 per group.
Live music begins at 7 p.m., with prizes being announced at 10 p.m., followed by fireworks.
For more information, visit eastbradyborough.com.
