Sand Mountain Reporter

Ford Riverfest 2010 will feature country music artist Kellie Pickler among the acts for Gadsden’s 25th anniversary event.

Riverfest is set for Friday and Saturday along the Coosa River just off Alabama 411. The gates will open for the Ford Riverfest 2010 at 4 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Along with the live music, attendees can walk beside the Coosa river and visit booths from various food and arts and crafts vendors. A Kids Zone, sponsored by Riverview Regional Medical Center, will be in Moragne Park and will include six large inflatables for children ages 11 and under. Adult supervision is required.

The Zero Meth project and the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office will sponsor a Teen Zone on the boardwalk for teenagers ages 12 to 19. The area will include a “dance party” with live music from the bands TRUK, Black Creek Revival, JUICE and Velcro Pygmies. The party will be supervised by District Attorney Jimmie Harp and the Etowah County Sherrif’s Department. Admittance to the Kids and Teen Zones is no extra cost outside of the regular ticket price.

Friday night’s music stage lineup includes KC and the Sunshine Band, Everclear and Night Ranger. KC and the Sunshine band have sold over 100 million records with hits like “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way (I Like It)” and “Shake Your Booty.” Everclear has released an album called “In a Different Light,” which includes remakes of the band’s hit songs such as “Wonderful,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You a New Life,” and “Santa Monica.” The band Night Ranger has had several hits, including “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” “Sister Christian’” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.”

Saturday’s entertainment will include performances by local talent Bill Avery, Pickler and country music star Tracy Lawrence. Lawrence has had 16 No. 1 hits on country music charts such as “Sticks and Stones,” “Alibis,” “Texas Tornado,” “Time Marches On” and “Paint Me a Birmingham.” He recently released a new album called “For the Love.”

A special celebration honoring veterans will take place on Saturday, and a fundraiser benefiting United Way and Etowah County Cancer Foundation will continue throughout the two-day event.

“We want to give back to the community that gives to us,” said Kerri Griffin, Gadsden/Etowah County Chamber of Commerce board member. “We actually had two people on our staff pass away due to cancer.”

For a donation of at least $1, attendees can sign a large sign as a memorial for cancer patients.

Saturday night will conclude with a fireworks show that will be “bigger and better than ever,” Griffin said.

Tickets are $25 for an adult weekend pass and $7 for a child weekend pass (ages 6 to 12). Children ages 5 and under get in free. Tickets may be purchased at WQSB-FM radio station and Superior Bank in Albertville.

2010 Gadsden Riverfest schedule of performers:

• Night Ranger: Friday 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Everclear: Friday 7:20 p.m. to 8:20 p.m.

• KC and the Sunshine Band: Friday 8:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Bill Avery: Saturday 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

• Tracy Lawrence: Saturday 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Kellie Pickler: Saturday 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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Serving Albertville and the Sand Mountain region

Publisher: Ben Shurett

1603 Progress Drive
Albertville, Alabama 35950

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