River festivals to begin Tuesday

RiverArts is set to kick off its 10-week run in Moorhead on Tuesday.

The riverside festival of culture and art is in its third year, and organizers say plans are the most ambitious yet.

"We're doing pretty much everything we did before, we're just expanding on it," said Kim Wangler, the city's promotions and volunteer coordinator.

Another of the festival's organizers said RiverArts has programming designed for both youth and adults.

"You can walk around downtown and there's something going on all over the place, and most of it's free," said Gloria Weisgram, director of the Historic Log Cabin and Gallery.

There will be events sponsored by the city and about 70 local businesses each Tuesday through Aug. 16, Wangler said.

Activities will be centered at two locations: the Hjemkomst Center and the Historic Log Cabin at 315 4th St. S.

At the Hjemkomst, there will be demonstrations for children designed around a weekly theme, Wangler said.

Themes will range from Gardening Extravaganza on Tuesday, where children will learn how to make terrariums, to Around the World in Four Hours on July 12, with a jalapeno-eating contest and Indian dancer.

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Tuesday, there will be a flea market in Viking Ship Park. Starting July 5, the market will include produce from local farmers and gardeners.

Those interested in selling items at the market can call (218) 299-5296. Booths will cost $10 per night, Wangler said.

Free carriage rides will be available from the park to the Log Cabin, where the city will close down a section of Fourth Street South for weekly 6:30 p.m. concerts.

Concertgoers should bring a blanket or a folding chair. No seats will be provided.

Artists who display their work at the cabin will be doing demonstrations for children, Weisgram said.

"We have quite a few artists and a lot of them like to do things for children," she said.

Artists will also be selling their work at the cabin, which is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday through Labor Day. It's open until 8:30 p.m. during RiverArts.

Meta Geske, one of the cabin's 26 artists, said the festival will give their work a chance to be seen by more people.

"I think we all think we'll have a little more exposure," said Geske, who does mostly pastel paintings.

Besides the regular weekly activities, RiverArts will feature one-time events.

For instance, the city library will conduct its 30th annual pet show Tuesday at 7 p.m. And an improvisational comedy group will perform at 7 p.m. on June 21 at the Moorhead Center Mall.

For a full schedule, go to www.cityofmoorhead.com/parks/thingstodo and click on special events. Schedules can also be found at City Hall or at participating businesses.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Roepke at (701) 241-5535