By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

An Ellis tradition 24 years in the making is happening again Saturday, as residents from the area converge in Ellis to enjoy the activities of Riverfest throughout the city.

“It’s going to be a really great day,” said Dena Patee, director of the Ellis Alliance.

Riverfest started as a way to get people into Ellis, but evolved over the years into an area tradition that brings residents from the area into the city to enjoy the festivities. Organizers bring in a variety of events giving everyone something to look forward to during the day, including live music, karaoke and a fun run.

“Throw some fun in there, get some people to town and let people have a good day,” Patee said.

While events change year to year, two popular attractions from last year once again will be making an appearance — the adult obstacle course and a horseshoe tournament.

“It’s not your normal thing,” Patee said, but events during Riverfest are planned to give everyone who attends something to look forward to, no matter their personal tastes.

“It is very fun to get people together to run the obstacle course,” Patee said.

As for the horseshoe tournament, Patee said, “that just started last year and was very well received.”

This year’s musical guest — Soul Preachers — will bring ’80s rock to the event in their first appearance at Riverfest.

While the day is put on for residents to have fun, it takes a lot of work to plan the celebration every year and, this year, an unexpected event created a bit more work than usual.

During setup for Riverfest, a minor hiccup brought the community together before the event even started. In the Riverfest area, a cottonwood tree, estimated by Patee at 140 years old, fell onto the grounds — but it did not take long for Ellis residents to notice and quickly work to remove the massive tree.

“They just came out and did it,” Patee said.

During the festival, workers who removed the tree will be recognized for their efforts.

“That’s what small-town living is about,” Patee said.

Click the image above for a full schedule of events.