Second Springfest building on Riverfest's split decision

For the second year, Riverfest Inc. has split the sprawling, 40-year-old mega-festival into two parts: family-friendly, free Springfest in April, and music-based Riverfest in June.

The reasoning behind the division is simple, according to Executive Director DeAnna Korte: "We really were pricing out families."

As entertainment costs grew, so did ticket prices. For those interested in children's activities, spending $100 for a couple of hours of crafts and games was untenable.

Since attracting and serving families is a key part of the Riverfest mission, Korte says, they decided to turn one event into two and have a little something for everyone.

Last year's Springfest debut was a success, drawing more than 10,000 people to the River Market pavilions and the First Security Amphitheater. But when it came to planning, organizers were cautious, unsure how the event would be received.

Korte says, "The one thing we heard [last year] was just more activities for kids to do."

The planners listened and added activities such as the Hero Zone, where children can meet representatives from police, firefighting and emergency medical services and interact with them in a relaxed, fun way. At the Construction Zone, there will be equipment for kids to climb on and explore.

In addition to a petting zoo, Heifer Village will be there with ranch animals and information about its international mission.

The Trackless Train will wind its way through the festival and give a lift to children and adults alike.

Visitors who like their fun in a digital format can explore the Mobile Video Game Station with its multiple games and formats. People can be part of a game themselves in the laser tag area or take part in a life-size game of Operation. Or they can return to simpler times and join in a potato sack race.

As for returning activities, everything starts with the Ruff on the River Pooch Parade from the Clinton Center to the amphitheater at 9 a.m., followed by the Short Legged Dog Races. This year's costume theme is Saturday Night Fever and registration is $5.50 per dog for the walk and the race.

There's more for dog lovers at the Rock the Dock Super Retrievers Series, where dogs demonstrate their jumping skills in a specially built pool.

Dogs are welcome all over, actually, and there's even a Hot Dog Cooling Station where dogs can rest and drink some water.

Performances are set on two stages. The McDonald's Amphitheater stage welcomes groups such as the O'Donovan School of Irish Dance at noon, the Mom and Pop Band at 12:45 p.m. and Trout Fishing in America at 2:15 p.m. Over at the Museum of Discovery, cheer teams and color guards will show their skills.

There will also be the usual arts and crafts hands-on activities, food vendors, sandboxes and games.

While Korte estimates 90 percent of the activities are free, "you do want to come with some cash in your pocket."

The main entrance will be at St. Vincent's Plaza by the River Market and while people are encouraged to park in the River Market parking deck, there should be plenty of parking in other lots and along the streets, Korte says.

People are also encouraged to take advantage of the day and explore beyond the festival's gates.

"I think sometimes people think of the River Market District as all about nighttime entertainment," Korte says. "But there are so many wonderful amenities and things going on down here."

The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center and other downtown venues will have special activities during the day.

According to Korte, "It's just going to be like putting a bubble over this area and it being about the kids and families and coming together and really what Riverfest was in the beginning."

Weekend on 03/30/2017