RIVERVIEW — Cruisin’ Downriver, now in its 11th summer, lost a close friend earlier this year when the annual Summerfest was canceled.
It was one of the event’s “built-in” attractions each year, helping kick off the cruise weekend.
“We decided to cancel Summerfest this summer in view of the economic situation,” Riverview Mayor Tim Durand said. “We did not feel it was proper to fund it when we were cutting programs and eliminating jobs.
“We formed a committee to see whether we could raise the funds to continue it, but lacked volunteers.”
The city of Riverview will still participate in the cruise, however. Durand said public safety costs for the Saturday event along Fort Street will be covered by businesses, including the Riverview Mobil station and C.F. Raines Engineering.
In previous years, there was plenty of fun to be had at the fest, which was housed at Young Patriots Park.
Officially, the cruise is a one-day event, but there was always plenty of action on Fort Street the night before — as well as at the Summerfest, which made them relate like a hand in a glove.
The event featured a classic car show and a variety of other attractions for people of all ages and interests, including a Fire Department open house and a free Children’s Zone. It also featured fireworks, paddleboat or kayak rides on the scenic reflection pond and area bands providing entertainment.