A Look at the 2008 Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Summer is finally here and so is the time for some fun in the sun. Thanks to high gas prices and a slow economy, fun may be harder to come by for some this summer. Luckily for those whose fun is constrained to a budget, the annual Riverbend Festival has come to the rescue. Held in Chattanooga Tennessee, the nine-day festival along the Tennessee River is sure- fire fun from June 6th - June 14th. Fans can look forward to six stages of music ranging from rock to bluegrass to hip-hop. Over 100 artists are expected to perform with Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins, ZZ Top, Little Big Town, and Anthony Hamilton leading the way. Gates open conveniently at 4:30 PM each day and close around midnight.

The festival is more than just music, however. A variety of events are scheduled for those wishing to take a break from the beat.

One must see exhibit will be a flight simulator shown by the US Navy where guests can experience a live adventure dubbed the, "F-18 Carrier Experience." Other must see exhibits will be the Gillette Fusion Tour, the WAHL "Let it Grow" Tour, and the Smoothie King Mobile where guests can sample freshly made smoothies for free. 5K and 10K runs will be held as well along with jet flyovers and a spectacular fireworks finale.

New for this year is the Mr. and Ms. Riverbend pageant. The contest is open to girls up to 25 years old and boys up to 6 years old. The participants are divided into age groups and are awarded prizes for Most Beautiful/Handsome, Best Fashion, Prettiest Eyes, Best Hair, and Best Smile. The event is more for fun than competition with each contestant receiving some prize.

Another fun even is the annual Bessie Smith's strut on June 9th. This is a cool event that brings the community together and honors one of the best female blues artists of all time. There will be three stages of Rhythm and Blues music and plenty of singing and dancing.

The pricing for the event is a money-saving token and pin system. Up until June 5th, the admission pins you need to enter the event are being sold for $28 each while children 10 years of age and under get in free. Pins can be purchased online by clicking here, or at local Mapco and Fast Food & Fuel locations. Pins are also available at the gates for $37 each and one night passes will be sold for $23 each.

All food and merchandise are purchased with tokens. The tokens are good for the duration of the festival and can be purchased for a 10 % discount at local BI-LO Stores until June 7th. There will also be token booths located around the festival as well as ATM's.

There are blanket and reserved seating options in front of the Coca-Cola stage where the well known artists will be performing. Those wishing to relax under the sun on their blankets can purchase $10 blanket seating passes at the main gate. There will also be reserved seating available for an extra $20 per night and can be reserved by calling 423-756-2211. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blanket.

The Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee is an excellent place for family fun this summer. Whether you like music, arts and crafts, or pure southern hospitality and fun, this is a must come event for all.

For more information on this event, check out http://www.riverbendfestival.com/

Sources:

Friends of the Festival, "Riverbend Festival 2008."