River Bend In Chattanooga

  I love a lot of things about this festival.  It is family friendly and, for those you that are in high school, this is the place to go. The social event of the year as one young man called it.  A place where families cane be together. Riverbend is just that, following along the walking path beside the river in the area of the Aquarium and the Imax. The Southern Bell (http://www.chattanoogariverboat.com/www/docs/3.36) of course is running with an average of 6 cruises a day, the last one ending with dinner from 7:00 – 9:30 just in time to see the Headline band. That to me would be the perfect end to the perfect day.

Before we think about the end of the day we should enjoy the stages and the fun of the over all festival.  It is a long walk from one end of the festival to the other. Being a unique festival is a theme carried out even to the stages. The most unique stage designed is under an over pass, where we saw the Bowmans Sing. Fortunately the stages are far enough apart that they don’t compete with each other. On one stage you might have a little folk / rock and the other a little Be Bop. Along the path are sand castles in tribute to the artist who have played or are going to play. Here we see Willie Nelson. (This will change daily so keep looking.)  Along the way we found the Market place which is always my favorite place to be.  Hand crafted or unique items for sale. There I meet Thomas Osborne.www.africator.com A painter who was born just down the road who moved and taught in Ohio.  When he retired from teaching I guess Tennessee called his name so he moved back and you can see his acrylic paintings of Chattanooga and surrounding area.  Moving further down the path we find the Army, Navy and I haven’t seen the Marines yet but I am sure they are here.  Do you want to know what it is like to fly a helicopter you can try the simulator, or maybe flying with the Blue Angle is more for you.  You can also try that in a simulator. One of the most interesting things about this event is that it is a combination of festival a product fair.  Your ticket in gives you access to try new products all up and done the path. Thinking about trying Gillette Fusion Power Razor.  Here is your chance to get a free shave.  It’s not just music, craft and music vendors, it is a chance to try or experience things you wouldn’t other wise have a chance to see. The kid zone is no exception.  Along with the games, rides and prizes, and face painting, you can visit the Oscar Meyer Luncable table.  Which is a great idea.  Most children don’t care for food on a stick unless it is a candied apple.

Well the sun is going down and I am ready for the Train to roll in to Chattanooga. (You know they have to get tired of that.)  I love that classic Zeppelin crazy rock and The Train delivered.  If you have doubts about having a good time because you cannot see the stage, no worries.  The have brought the Tram to new height. Of course this festival has been going on since 1981 and they have plenty of experience bring good music and fun to families. All those who are young and single a chance to meet friends and hear some of the greatest music there is.    Yesterday I heard great music saw the Southern Bell (http://www.chattanoogariverboat.com/www/docs/3.36), Took a tour of Texas @ http://www.traveltex.com/texasontour. Yes I did.  I can see a bike trip in my future. Come with me to see what today will bring.

Jayne

I forgot to give a big shout out to the Soddy Daisy High School Band Soddy Daisy High School Band  officially opened the River Bend Festival by marching thru the main gate at Chestnut and Second Streets on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Then like all good bands they marched down Chestnut Street and up Riverfront Parkway all the way to the Unum Stage. Where the band was scheduled to perform on the Unum Stage at 6:30 p.m. I missed the grand entrance. Not intentional but late.

Congratulations S.D.H.B.on your invite to participate in the 120^th Tournament Roses of Parade. I know it to a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of the band and the parents to even be considered. If you would like to help one of our Tennessee High School Bands go to the 120^th Tournament Roses of Parade donate to: www.sdhsband.org

Besides we need to help Soddy Daisy to keep producing such local Favorite Bands such as Stone Line www.myspace.com/stoneline