Mendon Riverfest kicks off Thursday

MENDON – St. Joseph County’s namesake will be at the center of a three-day community celebration starting today in Mendon.

The 36th Mendon Riverfest wraps up the county’s summer festival schedule but has plenty to offer. (Constantine stages its one-day Harvest Festival Sept. 7.)

Roger Cupp, head of the Riverfest Planning Committee, said the group has been meeting since February and is excited for the 2024 event to begin.

“We’re ready, we’ve got everything covered and it’s going to be a great weekend to come to Mendon,” Cupp said.

He said the committee stuck with tried-and-true events that have helped define Riverfest. He said Riverfest has an advantage over other community celebrations because of Mendon’s location on the St. Joseph River.

Cupp said it’s important, and also a no-brainer, to include the river – a source of pride in Mendon and countywide – in as many events as possible.

“From the beginning of Mendon Riverfest back in the ‘80s, Reed River Park has provided an ideal setting,” he said. “It’s right on the river, we’ve got the boardwalk, the gazebo, the pavilion and lots of grassy area for everyone to enjoy themselves.”

As always, opening night features the crowd favorite lip-sync contest. Cash prizes are on the line for winners in each of the four age categories. A pie-eating contest will follow this evening’s lip-sync event.

The pace picks up Friday with a lengthy list of attractions. Highlights include food, crafts, music, classic car cruise-in, kids’ inflatables, cornhole tournament and a movie in the park. The presentation is “The Goonies.”

Cash prizes will be awarded to cornhole winners.

Saturday is the event’s showcase day. It starts early with a fishing tournament, 5K and fun run, parade, petting zoo, pontoon rides, canoe race, canoe swamp, trivia, toy-boat race, rubber-duck race and the festival-ending fireworks display over the St. Joseph River.

Cash prizes are also awarded to winners of the canoe race and canoe swamp.

For the first time, there is no charge to enter the canoe swamp or canoe race. Cupp said the no-fee idea will hopefully encourage more people to participate.

“Well, I know the fireworks always draw a crowd and I don’t expect that to change this year,” Cupp said. “People also seem to really enjoy the parade and I have to say we have exceptionally good food vendors and quite a variety this year.”

Cupp said Riverfest is fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers. Most members have been a part of the committee for a number of years and everyone seems to know their role.

“When I have a minute to slow down, I always take pleasure to look around and see people smiling, families out here and everyone appearing to be having a good time,” he said. “We’re fortunate that Riverfest has a pretty long history and people seem to come from all over the county to be a part of it. We’re looking forward to another strong year this year.”

A full list of events can be found online: www.mendonriverfest.com .

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Mendon Riverfest kicks off Thursday