NEWPORT — Summer is a time for vacations, relaxation and spending time outdoors. In Newport, the 34th annual Portfest “Rollin’ on the River” Festival will provide a chance for locals, visitors and natives who have moved away to gather and take advantage of many summer opportunities.
“Portfest has become a homecoming of sorts for people in this region,” said Julie Allen, executive director of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. “Whether arriving by boat, camper or car, Portfest visitors look forward to returning year after year. We continue to offer national entertainers and family attractions at a low cost, which is a testament to the support of hundreds of community volunteers and corporate sponsors who make Portfest possible.”
Portfest will take place June 5 and 6 at Jacksonport State Park. In 1982, Riverboat Days was created to celebrate Jackson County’s relationship with the White River. In order to boost the event’s popularity, organizers decided to bring in headliner entertainment. The name changed to Portfest “Rollin’ on the River” in 1989 to reflect the changes. The festival is held the first weekend in June each year, and average attendance reaches 12,000 over two days.
This year’s featured performers will be The Marshall Tucker Band, Little Texas and Josh Thompson. Riverbilly will open the show on June 5.
While the music is the main draw for Portfest, Allen said there will be other activities throughout the festival for people to enjoy.
“Portfest is a family festival,” Allen said. “Kenny’s Funland Carnival will arrive at Jacksonport State Park on Wednesday, June 3, with rides for all ages. On Saturday, June 6, the festival includes attractions for kids of all ages.”
Some of the attractions on Saturday will be a rock-climbing wall, a human hamster ball, pony rides, the Cockrill Petting Zoo and several inflatables.
Tickets for June 5 are $17 in advance or $22 at the gate. Kids ages 6 and younger get in free. Riverbilly will perform at 7 p.m., followed by The Marshall Tucker Band at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets for June 6 are $12, either in advance or at the gate before 4 p.m. The price will increase to $17 at the gate after 4 p.m. Kids 6 and under get in free. Little Texas is set for 7 p.m., followed by Josh Thompson at 8:30 p.m., with a fireworks extravaganza ending the show.
Festival attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Coolers are welcome, but there will be a $10 cooler fee at the gate. For more information, visit www.portfest.org, find Portfest Festival on Facebook or follow @portfest on Twitter.
Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or aspencer@arkansasonline.com.