About Riverfest
Our History
Flashback to 1978.. Downtown is deserted… retailers have moved to “The Mall” and other shopping centers, with only a few old-timers remaining on Front Street. Farsighted developers have made stores and warehouses on the northern end of town into the Cotton Exchange, a collection of specialty shops, pubs, and restaurants. Old abandoned homes and shops [...]
Our Mission
The Old Wilmington Riverfront Celebration, Inc. the organization responsible for the Annual Wilmington Riverfest, has been established as a charitable organization to benefit the Cape Fear River environment. To that end, it is our goal to actively participate with the community to raise capital for reinvestment in the human resources necessary to research and develop [...]
Riverfest Happenings
Riverfest Expands
Wilmington’s Riverfest is celebrated in October and runs from the foot of Market Street to Cape Fear Community College. Currently drawing nearly a quarter-million people, Riverfest began in 1979 as a modest two-day event and has expanded to three fun and food-packed days. This year we have expanded the festival down Water Street all the [...]
Photo Gallery Of Past Events
Today Riverfest has evolved into a three-day celebration with 150,000 visitors. It’s a family-fun shindig along the Cape Fear River with live music, arts and crafts, exhibits, dance performances, contests, children’s activities, food, river events, friendly competitions and fireworks.
Wilmington Riverfest Spotlights
Wilmington Riverfest- Donation to Cape Fear Community College
WILMINGTON, NC – Riverfest recently donated $8,000 to fund scholarships for Cape Fear Community College Marine Technology students.
Since 1995, Riverfest has donated more than $149,000 to the CFCC Foundation. Funds have been used for scholarships, equipment, and special projects. In 2008, an endowed scholarship was established. So far, $44,000 of the donated funds has been designated for the Riverfest/Ava M. Hobbs Endowed Scholarship.
CFCC students Aaron Hoffler, Travis Smith, Kelly Bryant, Eric McMinis, and Brett Bolton have all received Riverfest Scholarships within the past year.
Marine Technology Lead Instructor Jason Rogers says that Riverfest’s support has been wonderful for his students. “Our program requires extended hours that make it difficult for students to work. These scholarships help students stay fully engaged and focused on their coursework.”
Riverfest will be held October 4th, 5th & 6th on the Wilmington riverfront. Riverfest is a non-profit organization and is planned each year by a completely volunteer staff. Riverfest is seeking volunteers for this year’s event. For more information about opportunities to volunteer with Riverfest, call 910-452-6862 or visit www.wilmingtonriverfest.com.
The Cape Fear Community College Foundation exists solely to support the students, instructors, programs and mission of the College. The Foundation secures and manages gifts and grants, including cash contributions, deferred gifts, securities, donated services, and equipment and supplies for educational purposes. For more information about CFCC or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at 910-362-7207 or visit www.cfcc.edu/foundation.
