Are You Gearing Up Yet for St. Charles RiverFest?

If you haven’t started thinking about St. Charles RiverFest yet, it’s coming up fast, and organizers promise some new family-friendly features this year in downtown St. Charles.

The event runs June 7-9, 2013.

“Our RiverFest Committee has been busy planning some fun and creative activities for families with children of all ages. And best of all, they’re free,” said Julie Farris, executive director of Pride of the Fox.

The event’s organizers are coming up with new events in spite of being on a compressed schedule this year. And take a look at what Pride of the Fox is planning, according to a release from the organization:

Ice Cream Eating Contest: Colonial Ice Cream is the host of the contest, which will have divisions for every age group. The contest starts at noon Friday, June 7 at the Lincoln Park Gazebo Stage.. Registration is at 11 a.m.

Bring Your Own Hula Hoop Contest: At the Lincoln Park Gazebo Stage at 4 p.m. Friday, the contest is open for all ages. Prizes will be awarded. Registration begins at 3 p.m. Friday, June 7. A limited number of hoops will be available to use.

Movie in the Park is back with returns this year at 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 7 at the Lincoln Park Gazebo Stage. The featured film is PG-rated Despicable Me. Bring your own blankets, chairs and snacks. Food vendors also will be on hand.

Kane County Swat Team returns with a new assault demonstration at 5:45 p.m. Friday, June 7 on the River Walk behind the . Team members will be on hand all weekend to showcase their vehicles and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Diaper Derby: The St. Charles Mothers Club hosts the race, which starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8 at Lincoln Park. The race will be held on foam mats, and the first baby to the finish line wins. Registration will begin 30 minutes before the race for babies ages 6 to 13 months.

Bring your own Big Wheel Races will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 8 on 1st Street. The race is open to everyone, with age divisions and prizes to be awarded. Registration starts one hour before the race.

Make and Take Dragon Boat Cookies in Pottawatomie Park will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. The first 250 kids younger than age 12 will get to decorate their very own Dragon Boat Sugar Cookie with master decorator Paul Lencioni, president of Blue Goose Market.

The Picasso Tent will be set up in Lincoln Park, where kids of all ages can color a Dragon Mask. Sponsored by Home Depot, the activity will be held each day of the festival.

Also a part of the festival will be the Arcada Live Main Stage, Dragon Boat Races on the Fox River, craft fair, 40-ton Fantasy Sand Sculpture, carnival and more. Festival brochures will be available online after Memorial Day.

For more details, visit prideofthefox.com. The city of St. Charles RiverFest is a community festival that is produced and organized by more than 150 volunteer residents and business owners who are a part of Pride of the Fox.

For more information regarding RiverFest, including volunteering, visit prideofthefox.com, email info@prideofthefox.com or call the RiverFest hot line at 630-296-POTF (7683).

Related:

• Feb. 4, 2013: St. Charles Pride of the Fox Fest on Tight Schedule
• Feb. 5, 2013: Pride of the Fox LLC Wins Final OK
• May 4, 2013: City of St. Charles’ RiverFest Main Stage Lineup Announced

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