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RiverFest 2008 a Big Success

by Drew Bulman | April 30, 2008 at 09:06 pm

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IOWA CITY - The University of Iowa wrapped up its 30th annual RiverFest Sunday, drawing in countless students with plenty of live music, classic festival foods, and a feel-good atmosphere.

The annual cosmopolitan celebration of arts, music, and Iowa City culture offered two days of free concerts and entertainment, located at the Iowa Memorial Union River Terrace. Free to attend, the event was hosted by Master of Ceremonies and stand up comedian Brooks Wheelan.

"Everybody's super relaxed," Wheelan said. "It's a good festival where everyone is just hanging out." A diverse crowd, from the bohemian to the clean cut, spent the weekend listening to bands Quietdrive, Uniphonics, Hunab, The Critical Hour and more. From explosive jazz, funk and raggae, to rock, pop and hip-hop, there was something for just about everyone.

Some concert-goers stood, some brought along lawn chairs, some stood dazedly among the periphery, blowing soap bubbles across the terrace. Typical of most festivals, dreadlocks, tie-dye clothing and sandals were out in full force.

Nestled along the Iowa River Promenade, a carnival-like market offered everything from deep fried Twinkies to jumbo corndogs. Those feeling parched had plenty of options. With an astounding 48 percent of Iowa City residents falling betwee the ages of 18-24, the venue was just two short blocks from the famed pedestrian mall, packed with bars and night clubs.

Hypnotist Frankie Z broke up the live music, turning willing Iowa City residents into near-puppets for others' entertainment while drawing plenty of laughs. Radio station KRUI 89.7 handed out free music and demos to attendees, while a UI Veterans Association booth offered diversions for children, though the UI discouraged it.

RiverFest staff member Natasha Lewey explained that the Riverfest atmosphere is more oriented toward an older crowd and geared toward university students. Lewey added that there are other more child-appropriate events hosted throughout the year, and RiverFest is simply not one of them.

Traditionally hosted at Iowa City's Hubbard Park, RiverFest 2008 was relocated this year to the Iowa Memorial Union River Terrace due to flooding concerns, though that seemed to have little effect on the celebration. "Everyone is having a good time." Attendee Cathleen Waddle said. "That's what it's all about."

Rounding out the weekend, Sunday's five and ten kilometer RiverRun and Old Capitol Criterium bicycle race drew large crowds. Over 1,700 individuals participated in the RiverRun. Meanwhile, the criterium played host to both professional and semi-professional races, closing off large sections of downtown Iowa City, while offering thousands of dollars in of prizes.

Professional rider Frank Dierking of the Great Dane Velo Club team zipped across the finish line early Sunday afternoon, marking a successful end to the festival's 30th year.