Woodward Township Recreation Ready for Riverfest June 26-28 Cardboard Boat Races, Duck Derby, Music, and Great Food Planned
By Christopher Miller
WOODWARD TOWNSHIP – Woodward Township Supervisors were excited Monday evening to announce that Riverfest 2025 is only a week away.
Taking place at the boat launch area in the township, Riverfest will run from Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28 with live music, games, food, the cardboard boat launch and duck derby (tentative events, depending on weather and river levels), and all culminating in fireworks on Saturday night.
“We are hoping for better weather and that the river will be down for the duck derby and cardboard boat races,” supervisor Kyle Coleman said. “We really want to hold these events on the river this year.”
Riverfest will kick off on Thursday, June 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. with Classic Rock Revival taking the stage from 6 to 9 p.m. On Friday, the fun also kicks off from 5 to 9 p.m. with Big Daddy Bangers on the stage from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday will be a more event-filled day with Riverfest running from 12 to 10 p.m. with the cardboard boat races (river level dependent) kicking off at 12 p.m., followed by the Duck Derby at 5 p.m. Two bands are taking the stage Saturday with Speed Bump Willy on stage from 2 to 5 p.m., and Mixtape playing from 7 to 10 p.m. Fireworks will immediately follow the band at 10 p.m.
Dunnstown Fire Company firefighters will be cooking up hot sausages, hot dogs, burgers, wings, pizza, fries, and slinging drinks. An informational flyer says to check out their new poker game as well. Dunnstown Fire Company’s food stand can be found under the gray canopy at the boat launch.
As was announced in a previous meeting, details on the cardboard races and Schlesinger Communications Campout for Kids event are below.
“Calling all local churches, youth groups, sports teams, Boy and Girl Scouts, and all others looking to have a good time cardboard boat racing. This event is being held to benefit two local youths, Skye Breon and Tucker Dorman for their medical needs,” an announcement on the Woodward Township Recreation Facebook page said.
Those interested in being a part of the boat races are encouraged to go to wsqvradio.com/extras/river-fest to download and print the entry form. Requirements include: wearing an appropriate-size fitting life preserver, wearing a whistle, river shoes, supplying oars and paddles (no motors), and boats being constructed solely of cardboard, duct take, and nontoxic glue and paint. The entry fee is $10/participant with registration starting at 10 a.m., judging at 11 a.m., and races starting at 12 p.m. Age groups range from 8-12 years, 13-17 years, 18-49 years, and 50+. Prices will be awarded for best boat design, best theme for boat and costume, and the Titanic Award for best sinker, along with race winners in each age group.
Proceeds benefit kids in our area with medical needs: Skye Breon and Tucker Dorman.
Also happening at Riverfest will be Campout for Kids, where radio personality Mark “The Shark” Schlesinger will camp out in a camper provided by Bill’s Happy Camper, broadcasting live every day throughout Riverfest to raise funds for local children with medical needs and expenses in our area along with the Lock Haven YMCA Backpack Program.
“The community is encouraged to pledge money and make donations to support this great cause, with special events for kids in addition to the Riverfest festivities,” an announcement on WSQV’s website stated. “Members of the community will also be able to make monetary donations and food donations will be accepted for the backpack program. Non-perishable items like ramen noodles, spaghettiOs, ravioli, and such will be accepted.”
In addition to all of the live entertainment and attractions of Riverfest, kids will also be treated to activities and games provided by the Lock Haven YMCA on Friday, June 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
