Annual Riverfest held in King George

FOR turns 25 this year

STAFFORD — Riverfest was held Saturday overlooking the Rappahannock River at Farley Vale Farm in King George.

It was the 20th annual celebration of Riverfest, complete with live music from local artists, an array of food, an open bar and silent and live auctions.  The four-hour afternoon celebration included seafood and other food and beverages.

Riverfest is the primary fundraiser for Friends of the Rappahannock's river advocacy, education and restoration programs.

Friends of the Rappahannock is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

John Tippett, executive director of FOR, who took over 15 years ago, said in a released statement: “To me, the past 25 years shows the power of persistence, and the tremendous strength that comes when we join our voices and actions together as citizens to make a difference on specific issues. Grassroots advocacy really does work.”

Kandy Hilliard, FOR executive committee chair, said: "It has been a great 25 years but we don't plan to rest on our laurels. The challenges to the Rappahannock have not shown any signs of slowing down and FOR won’t either. We’re expanding our programs to ensure that we pass on a cleaner river to our grandchildren."

FOR, founded in 1985 by a group of Fredericksburg-area residents, now has close to 2,000 members. FOR currently employs eight full-time staff and has three program areas: advocacy, restoration, and education.

“Very few rivers are so lucky as to have an environmental group like FOR to look out and care for her and to have the community, government and businesses supporting the protection of our water,” said Bill Micks, one of FOR’s founding members.

Riverfest was made possible through local and individual sponsorships and businesses, especially the Title Sponsors Virginia Paving Company and Rosner Mercedes Benz, according to Michelle Meyer, a FOR volunteer.

For more information about FOR, visit riverfriends.org.

 — Tracy Bell