Reno River Festival returns with some changes

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - The Reno River Festival is officially on for summer 2021, but not without some adjustments.

“We love this town, we love this event, we love showcasing downtown reno.”

Instead of the traditional Mother’s Day weekend, the event is happening on June 12 and 13, 2021 with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“It’s everything summer,” Jess Horning, Partner with Liquid Blue Events said, “it’s people in the water, it’s professional kayaking, it’s food, drinks, music, it’s art and craft, it’s an adventure.”

Unfortunately this year, the kayaking competition won’t take place. Organizers say they want to limit the crowds that tend to gather while watching the competition.  Also, since the event takes place later than normal, there are concerns the water levels will be too low for ideal competition.

Liquid Blue Events is a local event, production, and marketing firm that runs the annual celebration. Horning said their top priority is to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable to attend.

Horning added, “We put together a really detailed plan based upon state regulations in order to hold the event in the first place.”

For 15 years, the Riverfest has been able to be a free event, thanks to funding from the City of Reno, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and its sponsors, but the pandemic impacted that this year.

“We want to put our vendors and our musicians back to work especially locally, and in order to pay for the park and the staffing, we have to charge a nominal fee to get in,” Horning said.

Right now according to the state, capacity for this type of event is limited to 1,500 people, so that’s what the firm is going for. Horning said the situation will be fluid as Nevada continues to open up.

“It’s the first time people really get outdoors to a major event, get downtown, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the summer.”

The Riverfest provides something for everyone to enjoy outdoors, and could be a sign that brighter days are ahead.

You’re encouraged to buy your tickets online to guarantee access to the event. They cost $15. To purchase tickets, click here.

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