Friday was a wet miserable day but even that didn’t dampen the spirits of the attendees of the 2008 Riverfest opening night. While the rain wasn’t heavy it was a persistent mist and was at least partly responsible for a reduction in the turnout. Saturday was the brighter day, with occasional clouds, a good dose of sunshine, and a cooling breeze.

Visitors to the festival were treated with access to all kinds of food in the Cumberland Bank and Trust food court including domestic favorites, and exotic international cuisine such as Jerk Chicken, Polish Sausages, and Schnitzel. Several varieties of beer was available for those 21 or over (Proper ID required).

The children’s area featured rides and inflatables, and children had unlimited play for a $10 fee.

US Bank sponsored an area called A River of Culture which exposed visitors to various cultures including Guam, Hawaii, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Panama, France, Thailand, Russia and more. A local favorite, the colorful Clarksville-based Ballet Folklorico Viva Panama dancers, also performed.

Our gallery captures the festivities of Riverfest 2008. (Photos by: Bill Larson (Friday) & Mark Haynes (Saturday))

[Show as slideshow]

1234►

Rivers & Spires Festival orginated in 2003 as a tribute to the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division who, at the time, were returning from a deployment. Since then, it has continued to honor the community’s heritage by paying special tribute to Fort Campbell soldiers, many of whom are are currently deployed overseas, and their families.

The 2008 event opened with a re-igniting of the eternal flame on Public Square. Before the ceremony, I was reassured by City Councilor Geno Grubs that the flame, which has been off more than on over the past year, had been snuffed by a mechnical problem, and not by a city trying to save money or “the wind blowing out the flame.”

An impressive ceremony was held at the Pillar of Clouds, Pillar of Fire monument,with a color guard and numerous city and Fort Campbell officials present.

Thursday evening was also designated APSU night, one of the main highlights was the fact that DJ $crilla was to present a song written for Austin Peay State University. He was chosen last fall by the Govs Programming Council to write an original song for APSU. He has written songs for other universities, including George Washington University, Louisiana State University and Vanderbilt University. $crilla also performed other original songs written in honor of various Greek organizations. University President Tim Hall attended the performance.

Austin Peay State University was also one of the signature sponsors Rivers and Spires this year. Many of the volunteers are APSU students, faculty and staff.

Also performing Thursday night was singer/songwriter Josh Phiffer, who grew up in a musical home immersed in his parents love of music. Now 21, Josh brings this history to the stage. His rich musical heritage and wide range of influences is evident in his melodic songwriting, his tasty, adept guitar playing and on-stage presence. He has an uncanny knack for putting the audience at ease and welcoming them into his world. Over the past year, Josh has been touring around the U.S., playing over 150 shows, opening for such bands as Rookie of the Year, This Day, and Age, Making April, Foreverinmotion, Long Since Forgotten, All the Day Holiday, Get Your Guns and A Plea for Purging..

Cypher Addicts Crew, a group which is composed of APSU students also was one of the spotlighted performers of the evening.

Schedule and map

The schedule of events, performers, and a map showing the location of each of the 6 stages is available on the Rivers and Spires official web site.

Photo Gallery for Thursday

Every year, residents in Stewart County gather in Cumberland City, Tennessee to celebrate Independence Day on the last Saturday of June. We’re proud to present exclusive photos from this year’s event, which is a glimpse of Southern life in small-town Tennessee.

All photos by David W. Shelton

Prints are available by contacting the author.