On Saturday, Aug. 14, the downtown will come alive with activities for all ages with a focus on the Merrimack River.
Activity will center on Washington Street, Columbus Park, and the city's new boardwalk behind The Tap restaurant and brew pub.
River Ruckus is being organized by Team Haverhill in collaboration with the Greater Haverhill Chamber Community and the City of Haverhill. The Haverhill Gazette is media sponsor.
River Ruckus Schedule
Washington Street
10:30 a.m. Connecting the Community Through the Arts Banner and Dale Rogers Sculpture will be publicly dedicated and unveiled.
The Classic Cars Parade will leave Academy Lanes Parking Area and proceed to Washington Street while led by The New Liberty Jazz Band on their custom fire engine.
11 a.m. Classic Car Show begins. The New Liberty Jazz Band will play a brief concert on Washington Street at Moulton Way.
11:30 a.m. Paul Prue Blues Band will play on Washington Street by Riverside Place until 1 p.m.
"Elvis" celebrity impersonator Mike Visselli will then take the stage for a performance.
1:30 p.m. Windham Swing Band plays on Washington Street by Riverside Place until 3 p.m.
2 p.m. "A City in Ruins: The Great Conflagration of 1882" movie at 22 Phoenix Row (45 minutes).
3 p.m. Classic Car Show ends. Cars begin to leave Washington Street.
4 p.m. Encore of "A City in Ruins: The Great Conflagration of 1882" movie at 22 Phoenix Row.
5 p.m. Washington Street reopens to auto traffic.
Columbus Park
11:30 a.m. Children's activities led by YMCA staff, ending at 2:30 p.m.
Busker Eric Royer, family fun musical performance.
Antique Market building,
90 Washington St.
10:30 a.m. "Artitude" art show, sponsored by the Haverhill Art Association and the Haverhill Gazette. Show ends ends at 8 p.m.
6 p.m. Teen dance, sponsored by the Haverhill Boys and Girls Club, with DJ on third floor. Dance ends at 8 p.m.
Boardwalk
10:45 a.m. Festival opens with a welcome from the Master of Ceremonies
11:15 a.m. New Liberty Jazz Band plays on their fire engine parked near the stage till 12:45 p.m.
1 p.m. Opening Ceremony with Haverhill's Mayor, other dignitaries and major sponsors. Sponsors given plaques and public recognition by Team Haverhill co-chairmen
1:30 p.m. Satch Romano and the Lickity-Split Blues Band. Peformance ends at 3 p.m.
3:15 p.m. Los Sugar Kings Band. Performance ends at 4:45 p.m.
5 p.m. Spotlight Playhouse presents "Cabaret". Performance ends at 6 p.m.
6 p.m. Decorated Boat Parade begins on the Merrimack River with the master of ceremonies broadcasting
7:30 p.m. US Air Force Band of Liberty. Performance ends at 9:00 p.m.
9 p.m. Spectacular Laser Light Show over the river. Performance ends at 9:30 p.m.
The River Ruckus Committee, composed of members from Team Haverhill, is still signing up sponsors and volunteers as well as participants in the Classic Car parade and Decorated Boat parade. Those interest in taking part are encouraged to visit Team Haverhill's website at teamhaverhill.com for more information and contact details.
