Scenes from the 2012 edition of Red Bank Riverfest, which returns to Marine Park for a thre-night run starting Friday. (Click to enlarge)
Three days of heat and eats await visitors to Red Bank this weekend.
For the third consecutive year, after a decade-long layover, Riverfest returns to the banks of the Navesink River in Marine Park Friday night for a stay that extends into Sunday night.
And what this event be without a touch of sultry-bordering-on-threatening weather?
Local restaurants and local music dominate the agenda for the free event, which is organized by the Eastern Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wells Fargo.
Among the eateries serving festivalgoers: Boondocks Fishery, Danny’s Steakhouse, Linares Grocery, Sicilia Cafe and Yo Mon Frozen Yogurt.
On the bandstand, among other acts will be JoBonnano & the Godsons, Motor City Revue, Brian Kirk & The Jirks, Woodfish, the Moroccan Sheepherders and the Jazz Lobsters.
The festival also features an “artisan’s alley,” river cruises, games and rides for kids, and displays by major sponsors, including Wells Fargo and Ford Motor Company.
Riverfest, which was displaced by the Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival for 10 years, returned to the park in 2011 at the urging of local restaurateurs who were tired of seeing mobile food vendors from out of town taking business they thought should be theirs.
The National Weather Service forecasts abundant sunshine Friday and Saturday, with temperatures in the mid-80s, and a 40-percent chance of thunderstorms Sunday.
Pets are not permitted in the park during the festival.
