Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO AM) - Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF) will once again showcase the revitalized Downtown River Greenway and an expanded event venue at the second annual Downtown Riverfest, presented byLloyd Companies, on Saturday, August 16, from 4pm-11pm.
The Downtown River Greenway project included greenway reconstruction on the east bank of the Big Sioux River between 6th and approximately 9th Street, as well as reconstruction on the west bank of the river from 8th Street north to the new pedestrian bridge. Improvements include river walls, improved greenway access, gathering areas, seating, a widened trail, a new pedestrian bridge, a stepped river edge and landscape and irrigation improvements.
This project also includes a water feature which will be available for children and their families to enjoy, located near the Downtown Hilton Garden Inn and 2nd music stage at the event.
The Destination Downtown Riverfront program was established by DTSF to bring people back into the neglected downtown riverfront area by providing over 30 free events and activities that are designed to involve, educate and entertain community and visitors. DTSF was awarded back-to-back International Downtown Association awards in 2012 and 2013 for their efforts.
DTSF is proud to bring Downtown Riverfest to the Sioux Falls community as a celebration of the continued revitalization of the core of our wonderful city. DTSF has expanded the event venue to accommodate the large number of attendees, as nearly 10,000 attended in 2013.
Food vendors and Washington Pavilion kids’ activities will be relocated to the Raven side of the river greenway, just west of the amphitheater. Festival-goers can cross over using the pedestrian bridge located just to the South of the amphitheater.Art and retail vendors will be located in the prairie just north of Cherapa Place. Beer tents will be located near both stages as well as near the food vendors. A smoking area will be available just North of the amphitheater stage, but the event grounds are otherwise non-smoking.
Click here for a 2014 Riverfest Event Guide & Map.
Unique lighting design is also a key element to the evening, as 43 trees will feature prominent LED up lighting, sponsor logos will be illuminated against the south river wall, and a fireworks display provided by Xcel Energy will close out the evening beginning at 10:54pm.
The evening's talent line-up is a celebration of talented local and regional musicians. Sioux Falls rockers Burlap Wolf King, West River Folk from Jami Lynn & Dylan James, South Dakota Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Deeper Than Square, and Sioux Falls funk from Main Avenue Warehouse, are set to perform on the Riverfront Amphitheatre Great Western Bank stage in front of Cherapa Place. The White Wall Sessions will be recording each of the main stage performer sets for future radio programming.
Two great local musicians will perform on the Midcontinent Communications stage, located in front of the new Hilton Garden Inn. Billy Lurken performs from 4pm-6:45pm and Greyson Schulzperforms from 7pm-9:30pm.
Call 338-4009 ext. 11 if you're interested in volunteering at Downtown Riverfest. Volunteers receive a free event t-shirt.
For more information, visit dtsf.com or call 605-338-4009.