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Riverfest celebrates families, downtown

By Stacy A. Anderson • The Journal News • September 14, 2008

YONKERS - Thousands turned out for the city's 16th Riverfest yesterday, an annual event held on the waterfront to promote bringing families together and revitalization of the downtown district.
The daylong festival included four stages of entertainment, including 20 bands and 200 musicians, local vendors, international foods and a petting zoo.
"These guys are amazing," said city resident Gary Leff, as he watched the band Ten Feet Deep perform. "I just paid $60 to see them in the city and now I'm watching them for free here."
Newlyweds Julissa and Johnny Mazzeo where also drawn to the festival by the bands.
"We heard them from our apartment upstairs and decided to come down," she said.
Mazzeo said she was interested in seeing the classic cars displayed along Main Street.
Local agencies and businesses lined the streets to offer information about programs and services in the city.
John Thompson, director of development for the YMCA of Yonkers, handed out information about the center on Riverdale Avenue.
Thompson said exciting opportunities, similar to activities at the annual Riverfest, were also available at the YMCA.
"It's year round," he said, referring to recreational programs offered at the YMCA such as swimming and basketball.
Second-year vendor Cecilia Woodall of Elmsford sold fabric bags and blankets.
"I grew up in Yonkers and it's wonderful what they are doing to the downtown area, the revitalization," she said. "I'm glad to see it happening."
Steve Skowronski sold T-shirts, hats, headbands and more from Y-City Gear, a clothing line he started with three other friends from Yonkers.
Skowronski said the Ed Hardy and L.A. Gear-inspired apparel line symbolizes the "resurgence and pride of Yonkers," much like the annual event does.
Briarcliff Manor resident Elizabeth Medici attended the festival with her daughters Julia, 10, and Claire, 6.
"I'm always looking for art," she said. The young girls shopped for cameo shell jewelry and miniature trinkets such as bags and baskets.
Medici added, "We want to get some good eats, too."
Attendees savored a range of international delicacies, from Greek gyro wraps to Indian chicken kabobs.
Organizers expected the event, heralded as the biggest outdoor party in Westchester, would draw about 20,000 people.

Reach Stacy A. Anderson at sanderso1@lohud.com or 914-694-5080.

Classic cars from two clubs, Rock 'N' Rods and the Latin Cruisers, line Main Street

The Youth Theatre Interactions steel drum band added some rhythm to the top of Main Street.

A regular food vendor at Riverfest, Patang (from Central Avenue in Yonkers) utilizes a portable "tandoori" for classic naan, a distinctive Indian flat bread.

Information about the BID and its activities were given out at our booth on the corner of Main Street and Buena Vista Avenue.

Classic car owners Phil Pepe and Ed Borelli chat with Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone.

Juggler Robert Carroll entrances some of the young Riverfest patrons with his juggling prowess.

Look out for that giant butterfly! Crowds thronged the vendors and entertainers grouped along Dock Street.

Mountainside Stables once again brought their marvelous animals to Riverfest.

A few celebrity visitors from Beyond Costumes strolled the Riverfest.

Elvis is in the building! courtesy of Dr. Nazar Sayegh. Don't step on his blue suede shoes!

Every year, Riverfest draws more and more people from the Metropolitan area.

The Skyriders never cease to shock and awe.