by Lexi Bissonnette
Fishtown’s RiverCity Festival is back for the 6th year on October 5th, 2013. Noon till 5pm at Penn Treaty Park, Philadelphia will be celebrating Fishtown. From a 5K run, to vendors and entertainment, it’s a day that’s about celebrating, but also about helping the community of Fishtown.
“The birth of a nation, the treaty of two peoples. A neighborhood that stands as one of the deepest in heritage and rooted in history.” Neil Brecher, festival director, is speaking with pride about the town of Fishtown. “With the recent development, and expansion, both residential and commercial, a new visibility has come.” He attributes some of the recent success of the area to the festival that began in 2008.
This year there is a goal to raise $10,000 to benefit the programs and activities in the community. Donations above $20 will be given VIP treatment which includes entry to a private tent and a bottomless beverage cup.
Chris Wirtalla, the main stage coordinator for the festival thinks it has a positive impact on the community in three ways. It allows local vendors to feature their product and help their business, inspires those who attend to check out the business and of course would foster a community bond.
The day will kick off with both a 5K run and The Fractals on the main stage at noon. Along with the music, the Philadelphia Zoo-On-Wheels will make an appearance as well as free art instruction by Young Rembrandts, face-painting, mini soccer games, and enough stuff to keep everyone occupied. From there the event will be a host to many vendors and the following main stage band lineup:
1:00 John Francis and the Midnight Choir
2:00 Cheers Elephant
3:00 American Babies
4:00 Vacationer
Wirtalla explained that they look for bands with local roots to partake in the event but that his favorite part isn’t the music. “It’s that one moment, usually around 3pm or so, when you stop yourself for a second and take in all the activity going on around Penn Treaty Park.”
Brecher is ready for Saturday to celebrate with his neighborhood.”We wish to make sure that people know about our neighborhood, and what better way to celebrate in this beautiful park?”
Don’t miss out on the bands and the vendors this Saturday October 5th from 12-5 at Penn Treaty Park.
