The final day of Rivers and Spires starts off slow, but picks up in the end

Clarksville, TN – Due to unseasonably chilly weather and a blustery wind, the third day of Rivers and Spires looked like it was going to end with a whimper rather than a bang, the victim of the unpredictable spring weather. However as the afternoon wore on, more and more people showed up to enjoy all that the festival had to offer. “The crowd hung in even though we had monsoon winds and rains, and I think it says a lot about this festival, and how much people enjoy it” said Festival Manager Doug Barber.

The morning started off at 8:00am with Hank Bonecutter from WJZM 1400AM doing his Saturday morning show Clarksville in Review from Rivers and Spires.

Normally he does the show outside in a booth on the street, but due to the weather and wind, it was moved into the lobby of Edwards Steakhouse on Franklin Street.

Guests included James Chavez from the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce; Bill Roberts from Thunder Road Automotive & Marine, who sponsored the live remote; Larry Dunlap-Berg from the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, TN; Doug Barber, Festival Manager for Rivers and Spores; Miss River Queen Giselle Fontenot, and Miss River Teen Sarah Gross along with their escorts from the B.O.S.S. program from Fort Campbell; Robin Burton from the Chamber of Commerce; Kelly Maselli from the Aspire to Stardom Contest; and more.

You can still listen to the show via their brand new podcasting service.

The kids zone was bustling with activities as children with in coats and caps stood with their parents waiting for their turn on the inflatables. Nick’s Kids show was also a popular destination throughout the day. Nearby the Red River Sirens gave a demonstration of how Roller Derby is played and scored.

The festival’s seven stages were kept hopping all day long with something for everyone including festival favorites Ballet Folklorico Viva Panama, Jezebellies Belly Dance Troupe, and the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club. School groups were also given the opportunity to strut their stuff before their families and friends.

Austin Peay State University got into the fun holding a flash mob on Franklin Street with around 100 students suddenly gathering and breaking out in dance to the Young MC song Bust A Move. The crowd cheered loudly as University President Tim Hall danced down the middle of the street at the end. Afterwards the participants gathered for a group photo.

At Artz Galore artists and other crafts people were displaying their creations. This was also the location of some of the best face painters I have ever seen.

The International Streetfest was in full swing with organizations such as the Hispanic Organization for Progress and Education (H.O.P.E.) and AFS Intercultural Programs were busy making new contacts in the community. On the other side three young girls danced a hula to raise donations for the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club.

The Beagles were performing on the Third and Main stage with a happy crowd sitting nearby enjoying their always popular tunes.

The Jazz and Wine area was packed with people enjoying each others company along with sampling the various vintners wares, with Beachaven Winery being one of the most popular destinations.

A Native American merchant was luring people in with the soft sounds of flute music. While at another booth a father and son were getting airbrushed tattoos together. Food was ever popular with funnel cakes, turkey drumsticks, and ears of corn going as quickly as they could be prepared. City Councilwoman Candy Johnson was busy visting the various booths to find something to eat. Artist Michelle Harrell came up from Gulf Breeze Florida and was still able to stand perfectly still in what had to be absolutely frigid weather as she filled the role of a living statue.

Aspire to Stardom took the Fun Zone stage by storm with young performers competing to win a $2,500 cash prize from the Daymar Institute. The competition was hosted by Kelly Maselli and her daughter Samantha. The Judges were Melanie Thompson of Daymar Institute, Angel Johnson of Keller Williams Realty, Aris Golemi from Xcel Talent Agency of Atlanta, and Mike Macelli of Gateway Reality. the panel of judges rated the contestants and picked the winner. Previous contestants had moved on to become professional performers, including Maddie Mauk who was signed by Sony Records. This year the winner was a young woman Tristan McIntosh (age 10) who sang Martina McBrides song Broken Wing. She was a favorite with the crowd and judges.

As the time for Clint Black’s performance drew closer, the crowds began packing in. By time the performance began it was hard to move anywhere near the stage, with some husbands putting their wives on their shoulders making it even harder for people behind them to see the stage. Black is a master of the stage, and he utilized it well. He interspersed his performance by telling jokes and interacting with the audience. The music was top notch and it was a great way to close out the festival.

Kudo’s to everyone who made this years festival such a success! Especially the Rivers and Spires Committee, and all of the hard working volunteers.

2011 Rivers and Spires Festival Committee

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