Saturday, Aug. 14, is the day to be downtown and along the Merrimack river boardwalk to celebrate Haverhill River Ruckus.
This full day of fun and celebration highlights the Merrimack River and the downtown historic district, the new boardwalk, and the development of recreational resources and access planned for the "River Loop" area.
The day will start with a classic car parade and show on Washington Street.
Visitors will be able to see more than 100 classic and special interest cars and vehicles, as well as enjoy music and street performers.
At the Main Stage next to the boardwalk and behind The Tap restaurant, a full day of entertainment from national, regional, and local performance groups will offer something for all interests.
Children's activities and entertainment will be hosted in Columbus Park at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Washington Street, next to England's Micro Creamery.
The celebration will conclude with a decorated boat parade and a laser light show to be beamed over the river.
All of this is possible due to the tremendous support from the local business community. The organizers of Haverhill River Ruckus announced that NMTW Community Credit Union has agreed to be a Platinum Sponsor for the event, and co-sponsor of the finale event of the day, the Laser Light Show.
"NMTW Community Credit Union values its communities and as part of that commitment, we have opened a branch in Haverhill," said NMTW Community Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Del Rossi. "Our sponsorship of the River Ruckus' inaugural year is the perfect way to reach out and introduce ourselves to all of our new neighbors while supporting a great community event."
The credit union's new branch at 20 Cushing Ave. opened on Monday, June 28.
In addition to NMTW Community Credit Union, sponsors include Haverhill Bank, Pentucket Medical Associates, Pentucket Bank, Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union, Merrimack Valley Hospital, Lowell Five, Verizon Foundation, Bethany Homes and the Haverhill Gazette. More sponsors are being sought by the organizers. For information, River Ruckus co-chairman Warren Gerety should be contacted at 603-702-0120.
River Ruckus is being organized by Team Haverhill in collaboration with the Greater Haverhill Chamber Community and the City of Haverhill.
The River Ruckus committee is seeking applications from local for-profit food vendors to participate in the Aug. 14 festival.
A big part of the River Ruckus Festival is the food. The committee welcomes food booths that are operated by social groups and churches, much as at an old-time community fair.
In addition, the festival will provide sales opportunities to some local establishments.
Haverhill's array of restaurants and local eateries have made the city a destination place for world food and culture.
Local food establishments are encouraged to submit applications, available by contacting co-chairwoman Leota Sarrette at lsarrette@aol.com.
A refundable deposit made by check or money order will be required with applications. Food vendors will be notified about their participation by July 16. Those not selected to participate will receive a full refund.
The Haverhill Rotary Club will sell Quack Packs of rubber ducks at River Ruckus in advance of its 2nd annual Rubber Duck Regatta.
The regatta is one of Rotary's major fundraising events of the year.
Thousands of rubber ducks will be released into the Merrimack River from the Basiliere Bridge. The owner of the first duck to cross the finish line is honored for the win and will be awarded a donated prize.
Money raised by The Rotary Club benefits scholarships and numerous charities.
