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Rivers & Spires Festival sets new attendance records

The Rivers and Spires FestivalThe 2010 Rivers & Spires Festival shattered previous attendance records, bringing over 42,000 people into downtown Clarksville. Festival organizers say 42,073 people participated in the 3-day event last week, breaking last year’s attendance record of 35,475. This year was the eighth year for the free festival, and attendance has more than doubled since 2006.

The 2010 Rivers and Spires Festival
The 2010 Rivers and Spires Festival

Waste Management and Bi-County Solid Waste Management partnered in the festival’s first recycling effort, with local Boy Scout troops assisting. This year, the total of trash generated was 20,666 pounds. Of that, 6,286 pounds were recycled: 2,704 pounds of glass, 2,082 pounds of cardboard, and 1,500 pounds of plastic and cans.

“This is the first year we have recycled at the festival, and we’re thrilled with everyone’s participation,” said Doug Barber, Festival Director. “We feel like these numbers will increase year over year as people become more environmentally conscious.”

The festival is free every year, which is possible largely because of the army of volunteers who donate their time, along with the help of the city and the county. This year, more than 600 volunteers contributed to the effort. Vendors from as far away as Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida came to town for the event.

“The festival was a tremendous success this year and we appreciate the help of the volunteers, the city and the county. An event of this scale wouldn’t be possible without them,” said Theresa Harrington, Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau.

A study was done during the festival this year to find out what kind of economic impact the event has on the community. Festival officials will release results of the study when they become available. Next year’s Rivers & Spires Festival has been scheduled for April 14-16, 2011.

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