Riverfront Festival coming to Fort Scott in July

FORT SCOTT, Kan.-- The second annual Riverfront Festival is scheduled to take place early next month in celebration of the development of a local riverfront area.

The public is invited to attend the event, which will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 2, in the 400 block of North National Avenue on the banks of the Marmaton River. The event will feature a hot dog and wiener roast on a campfire, other food and refreshments, live music, and information on the riverfront project.

"It's about awareness (of the project)," Ken Lunt, the chairman of the festival, said. "We'll be there to answer any questions people might have. They'll be able to see renditions and drawings of the park. And we'll just have fun."

In 2007, a group of local citizens formed a committee and traveled to Topeka to witness the Fort Scott/Bourbon County Riverfront Authority become law. The mission of the authority is to facilitate a sustainable revitalization and promote preservation, protection and interpretation of the Marmaton River for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations of visitors and citizens of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and other parts of Kansas, according to a news release.

While the process to develop the park is expected to take at least five years, much work has already been accomplished. Loads of trash and old tires, as well as many bundles of brush have been removed from the riverfront area. Some property along the river has been donated to the Riverfront Authority and some has been purchased. When completed, the Riverfront Park will include about 60 acres along the river starting at National Avenue, with trails going eastward toward the Old Military Bridge and westward to Gunn Park.

The new park will include a fishing lake with handicap access, hiking, biking and equestrian trails, picnic areas with restroom facilities and playground equipment, botanical identification of plants, historical panels portraying the use of the area by Native Americans and early settlers -- including the period before and after the Civil War -- and overnight parking for recreational vehicles and parking lots for visitors.

Using funds the committee has already raised in recent years, a Master Plan for the park project has been established. The plan, which costs about $100,000 and is being funded by a federal grant and money raised through local fundraisers and donations, includes all planned details of the park project as well as input from committee members and community members.

Before the park becomes a reality, money must be raised for the further development of the park and trails. The Riverfront Festival will also serve as a fundraiser with free-will donations being accepted to help fund the future development of the riverfront area. Donations and contributions are tax deductible as provided by law. The Riverfront Authority raised about $2,200 through last year's festival.

Local businesses and individuals who support the project have donated all items needed for the festival.

A popular local musical duo, Fuss and Feathers, will provide entertainment at the event. An information booth will include a presentation of the plans to beautify the riverfront and create park areas as well as the hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

Parking will be available at the site of the event and at a local business located across the street on North National Ave. Seating for the event is limited so attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.