The annual Riverfest celebration in Jonesville, Michigan, is traditionally held on the weekend following Mother’s Day. In 2010 it will be held May 14-16 and features fun, food, and festivities. The fun stuff includes a triathlon, canoe races, and a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. The food features the fire department BBQ, sidewalk vendors, and local restaurants. The festivities include the fireman’s waterball competition, an arts and crafts exhibition, car & bike show, live music at Saucy Dog’s, cloggers, an hourly musical show at Marcella’s Coffee House, plus tours of the Sauk Theater and the Grosvenor House Museum, along with the Domestic Harmony Duck Derby.
The river-themed triathlon features running, biking, and canoeing, and kicks off the weekend at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night. The canoe races run all day Saturday on the St Joseph River in downtown Jonesville with competitions in various categories with cash prizes for the top 3 finishers. Even the inexperienced can participate by renting a canoe, finding a partner, and joining the fun. The basketball tournament is held at the high school with early rounds of competition on Saturday morning and the finals on Sunday.
The River Rats have cleaned up the shoreline to help make Riverfest a pleasant experience for canoers and race-watchers. The events have attracted competitors from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Canada. Riverfest began in 1974 and is enjoying its 36th annual celebration of River Fest in Jonesville.
Riverfest details and participation forms can be found online at Jonesville Riverfest.
Mike Venturini – Innkeeper
“Life is good in Jonesville”