Riverfest 2017 takes on different look in Cooper’s parking lot

PITTSTON — Riverfest 2017 took on a different look by placing vendors and attractions in Cooper’s Catering and Banquet facility parking lot rather than along Riverfront sidewalks in an attempt to bring more visibility to those driving along Kennedy Blvd.

The 9th Annual Riverfest was held Sept. 16, opening to sunny skies before clouds rolled in followed by rain. The event for the last few years has been hampered by rain, including a deluge in 2016.

“We’ve had a little difficulty with the weather (over the years), but in terms of the growth of the event, what I’ve seen is we made more effort to bring attractions to the history – that is the goal for people to learn the history of the area,” said Rev. Samuel Washington, 2017 Riverfest president.

Over the lifetime of the event, organizers have had an objective to display Greater Pittston’s culture of the past, present and future.

Inside the Cabana at Cooper’s, there were photographs of the now-defunct Rocky Glen Park as well as of the Knox Mine Disaster. Also incorporated were artifacts from the park and a documentary. There was a presentation on the Knox disaster that included local historians.

The “Ring of Fire” from Steamtown National Historic Site was back this year, along with hayrides to and from the Knox Mine Disaster site, Yoga demonstrations by Home Yoga & Barre, blacksmithing demonstrations, and a musical performance by the Perspective Church Choir.

Jeannette Roundtree, of West Pittston, a member of the Perspective Church in Pittston, volunteered for the event. “I actually really enjoy getting to see the old and new unit together and the area history is awesome,” she said, admitting she found information about the Knox Mine Disaster to be particularly interesting.

Dressed in authentic period attire, the Confederate Union Generals were back, telling stories and answering questions about the Civil War.

The character of Edgar Allen Poe also made a return visit to Riverfest, speaking on his life and times.

“The cultural differences are very vast in our area and we are trying to include every culture in Greater Pittston,” Washington said. This year included a performance by a Native American troupe.

West Pittston native and local history enthusiast Bill Best was on hand for the event. “I have a great interest in the Knox Mine Disaster and I enjoy looking at the displays they have every year,” Best said.

Best looked forward to the hayride to the Knox disaster site as well as the location of the Eagle airshaft. “I want to see the Eagle airshaft where the escape route for 33 men occurred.”

Pittston Mayor Jason Klush was on hand for his official last Riverfest as mayor. “Riverfest brought a lot of culture and it’s here to teach the younger folks about our history,” he said. “It’s a really nice event where you can get a hayride and learn about our history.”

Duryea Mayor Keith Moss has been on board since the first day of Riverfest. “We try to get everybody together,” he said, “everybody that’s involved with the ethnic and the history, reinventing our history.”

Moss, Washington and others involved hoped to make the 10th anniversary so planning for that event will begin in the immediate future.

Mary Grace Hoover and Jim Connell, both of Pittston, look over photos from the Knox Mine Disaster in the Cabana at Cooper’s.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Riverfest1.jpgMary Grace Hoover and Jim Connell, both of Pittston, look over photos from the Knox Mine Disaster in the Cabana at Cooper’s. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Sam ‘Greek’ Guarnieri, a member of the AmVets Honor Guard Post 189 Dupont, checks out some of the vendors on site of the 9th Annual Riverfest held on the grounds of Cooper’s Banquet facilities on Sept. 16.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Riverfest2.jpgSam ‘Greek’ Guarnieri, a member of the AmVets Honor Guard Post 189 Dupont, checks out some of the vendors on site of the 9th Annual Riverfest held on the grounds of Cooper’s Banquet facilities on Sept. 16. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Johnny Bibalo, left, of the Steamtown National Historic Site, demonstrates the lit gas jets to create a ring of fire in order to expand a steel tire, prepping it for replacement.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Riverfest3.jpgJohnny Bibalo, left, of the Steamtown National Historic Site, demonstrates the lit gas jets to create a ring of fire in order to expand a steel tire, prepping it for replacement. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

John Griffiths, right, of Easton, looks at an antique lamp owned by Robbie Flowers, left, Plains, who owns a collections of lamps.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Riverfest4.jpgJohn Griffiths, right, of Easton, looks at an antique lamp owned by Robbie Flowers, left, Plains, who owns a collections of lamps. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Tractors pulled plenty of people from the Riverfest lot to the site of the Knox Mining Disaster area off the east shores of the Susquehanna River, Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Riverfest5.jpgTractors pulled plenty of people from the Riverfest lot to the site of the Knox Mining Disaster area off the east shores of the Susquehanna River, Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch