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Next up in Beloit: Riverfest
By Ashley Rhodebeck
Daily News staff writer
As Riverfest's executive director, Rod Beaudoin has spent the past few days taking care of last-minute details, such as meeting with volunteers and finalizing sponsors' ticket requests, before the 21st rock festival begins Wednesday.
Despite the work, Beaudoin said he and his crew are excited for it to begin.
“Be safe and let's start the party,” he said.
Per tradition, Riverfest will be held at Riverside Park despite the recent flooding. The City of Beloit completed its cleanup this week, Beaudoin said, adding the areas the event uses - such as the Harry Moore Pavilion and the Rotary River Center parking lot - were not affected.
Organizers had to cancel the boat races, though.
Crews will close Riverside Drive from the Portland Avenue bridge to the Henry Avenue bridge between 2 and 3 a.m. Monday because, Beaudoin said, Riverfest takes that long to set up.
So far online ticket sales have been strong and, by Thursday, were ahead of last year's.
“I think that we've seen steady increases in the attendance over the last three years,” Beaudoin said. “I think it's following the trend right now. We're just happy with it, and we hope that everybody in the city, Janesville and Rockford comes out and parties with us.”
While the first music acts won't perform until Thursday, Riverfest will open the carnival section from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is free, but people must pay for the rides.
Scheduled performers are Seether, REO Speedwagon, Molly Hatchet, the Beach Boys and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Most of the headliners are pulling close to equal ticket sales, Beaudoin said REO Speedwagon - which has played at Riverfest before - is the most popular.
Beaudoin looks forward to seeing the Beach Boys and is a fan of REO Speedwagon and Joan Jett but said he always feels anxious to see the modern rock act - this year that's Seether.
“I'm an old guy and like to see what the kids listen to,” he said.
People can still purchase tickets online, including reserved seating. However, Beaudoin recommends the Friends of the Fest seating, which is a zoned-off section that includes bleacher seating and a food and beverage tent. Those tickets cost $110 but are good for the entire festival.
Tickets will be sold at the gate but must be paid in cash. ATMs will be located nearby for cash access.
The new events - the Hannah Montana lip sync and the kick boxing - should attract large crowds, Beaudoin predicted. So far, he said, the kick boxing sales have been strong and purchasing a seat for the event will get the buyer a reserve seat for the main stage that night.
With weather predicted to reach the mid 80s during Riverfest, Beaudoin encourages people to attend.
“It's a great way to showcase Riverside Park and Beloit,” he said, noting credit card purchases showed people from 37 states and 12 countries attended the event last year.
Go to beloitriverfest.com for more information.
Despite the work, Beaudoin said he and his crew are excited for it to begin.
“Be safe and let's start the party,” he said.
Per tradition, Riverfest will be held at Riverside Park despite the recent flooding. The City of Beloit completed its cleanup this week, Beaudoin said, adding the areas the event uses - such as the Harry Moore Pavilion and the Rotary River Center parking lot - were not affected.
Organizers had to cancel the boat races, though.
Crews will close Riverside Drive from the Portland Avenue bridge to the Henry Avenue bridge between 2 and 3 a.m. Monday because, Beaudoin said, Riverfest takes that long to set up.
So far online ticket sales have been strong and, by Thursday, were ahead of last year's.
“I think that we've seen steady increases in the attendance over the last three years,” Beaudoin said. “I think it's following the trend right now. We're just happy with it, and we hope that everybody in the city, Janesville and Rockford comes out and parties with us.”
While the first music acts won't perform until Thursday, Riverfest will open the carnival section from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is free, but people must pay for the rides.
Scheduled performers are Seether, REO Speedwagon, Molly Hatchet, the Beach Boys and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Most of the headliners are pulling close to equal ticket sales, Beaudoin said REO Speedwagon - which has played at Riverfest before - is the most popular.
Beaudoin looks forward to seeing the Beach Boys and is a fan of REO Speedwagon and Joan Jett but said he always feels anxious to see the modern rock act - this year that's Seether.
“I'm an old guy and like to see what the kids listen to,” he said.
People can still purchase tickets online, including reserved seating. However, Beaudoin recommends the Friends of the Fest seating, which is a zoned-off section that includes bleacher seating and a food and beverage tent. Those tickets cost $110 but are good for the entire festival.
Tickets will be sold at the gate but must be paid in cash. ATMs will be located nearby for cash access.
The new events - the Hannah Montana lip sync and the kick boxing - should attract large crowds, Beaudoin predicted. So far, he said, the kick boxing sales have been strong and purchasing a seat for the event will get the buyer a reserve seat for the main stage that night.
With weather predicted to reach the mid 80s during Riverfest, Beaudoin encourages people to attend.
“It's a great way to showcase Riverside Park and Beloit,” he said, noting credit card purchases showed people from 37 states and 12 countries attended the event last year.
Go to beloitriverfest.com for more information.
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paisleysdaddy wrote on Jul 7, 2008 4:14 PM: