Discovery Zone. Here, parents and children will have the opportunity to learn and play together. Like the festival, the Discovery Zone is focused on learning about living an environmentally friendly life. Additionally, this year Mojo Music will be sponsoring one of the two stages, and providing families with some fun ways to create their own rhythm, as well. Kids will be able to make their very own instruments, like shakers and drums, from recycled materials, and even try their hand at the real thing. “Mojo Music is going to have what they’re calling the ‘musical petting zoo’,” Jacobson said. Here, children will have the opportunity to experiment with real instruments, strumming a few notes on an actual guitar, for example. The festival also plays host to Longmont Idol, the local singing competition for youth between the ages of 11 and 21 put on by the Children and Youth Resources Division. Contestants will perform during Rhythm on the River, adding to the already impressive lineup of musical artists.
Something New This Year Those who’ve been to the festival in past years may notice a new addition in the food area this summer. “The most dramatic difference to people will be the inclusion of beer on-site,” said Suellen Dabney, the
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Recreation Program Supervisor for Longmont Recreation Services. Marking a festival first, local breweries will be a part of Restaurant Row. Oskar Blues and Left Hand Brewing Company will both be present, selling their signature brews on Friday evening (5 - 8 pm) and Saturday (noon - 8 pm). Additionally, Oskar Blues will have plenty of its signature “B. Stiff & Sons Root Beer” on hand for the kids. Dabney explained that the change shouldn’t impact the family-friendly nature of the event. The food/beverage area will be gated, and separate from the children’s activities area. What’s more, festival organizers are hopeful the beer sales will help to generate some much needed additional revenue. The goal is to keep the festival free and open to all, and that is only possible with funding. And, as always, smoking is not permitted on the festival grounds.
Tasty Treats Thankfully, some things will not be changing this year, like the traditional breakfast served by The Egg & I following the Roger’s Run 5K run/walk on Saturday morning. Additionally, more than a dozen other local favorites will have booths in the food area, offering smaller portions of some of their most beloved menu items. It makes for the perfect opportunity to discover something new and tasty at one of
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Longmont’s many eateries. Food can be purchased with tokens, which will be on sale at a number of locations throughout the festival. Unused tokens can even be refunded before you leave. Also, for those families on a budget, you’re welcome to bring your own picnic to the festival. You are asked, however, to leave pets at home.
Planning Your Time at the Festival Throughout the festival, a number of talented musicians will be taking the stage. Friday night kicks off with two musical offerings, and Saturday will see many more artists and bands throughout the day. (The festival’s website has a complete list of all artists performing.) The variety and schedule guarantees that you’ll be treated to some good music regardless of when you decide to stop by. It is, however, worth noting that if you plan to take advantage of the family-friendly, interactive parts of the festival, it’s best to attend on Saturday. “Friday night is really about the music and the food,” Dabney said. The children’s area won’t be open during that time, though Restaurant Row will be, making Friday night an ideal (and cheap) date-night option. Saturday is truly the big day for the festival, when everything kicks into high gear. All areas will be open,
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