Riverfest to hold same party, fewer crabs

By Uriah A. Kiser

Published: July 31, 2008

STAFFORD — What has been called the Fredericksburg area’s best place for river fun is coming back to the river.

The annual Riverfest celebration, hosted by the Friends of the Rappahannock as its annual fundraiser, will be held in September on a private farm in King George. The festival was moved from its home at Ferry Farm where archeology digs limited the amount of space FOR could use for the party. It was moved to the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds last year, but many who attended the event missed being on the Rappahannock, according to the group.

Michelle Meyer of Friends of the Rappahannock said that people come from all over for the event. With live music, beer trucks, an open bar and a silent auction, organizers say there is something for everyone. The main draw, however, has always been the crabs.

The festival began 18 years ago essentially as a crab fest, according to John Tippett, executive director for Friends of the Rappahannock. The original event attracted 120 people. This year the group expects well over 1,000 people. Tippett said the more the merrier, but this year festival-goers will not be treated to an all-you-can-eat style buffet of crabs.

“It is our job as stewards of the river to see to it that we take crabs responsibly from the water,“ said Tippett.

Tippett said new regulations only allowed the group to continue to purchase crabs from a sustainable harvest of the Potomac River. This type of harvest ensures “just the right amount of crabs” are taken from the waters. FOR said they went above and beyond new regulations by only purchasing male crabs, since females can produce more than 2 million young each year.

This marks the first year the event has labeled itself eco-friendly. The group’s hope is to leave enough crabs in the river so there will be more for following years.

The smell of chicken and baby back ribs will also fill the air for those looking for more turf than surf, according to Meyer. “All we are asking is for is this not to be an all-you-can-eat crab affair,“ she said.

The group said it wishes to raise $90,000 at the event, which is FOR’s biggest fundraiser for the year. The money will go toward the group’s education and conservation activities.

Tickets for the event start at $75 and in September go up to $85. Tippett said there are sponsorship opportunities for people who buy multiple tickets. Those sponsors would receive their names in the event program and be treated to private tables.

Riverfest will be held Sept. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at 12475 Farley Vale Drive in King George. For more information visit riverfriends.org.