River City Eco Fest & Challenge Returns

The third annual River City Eco Fest & Challenge hosted by the River City Eco Foundation returns on May 17, and the River City Eco Foundation organizers are expecting upwards of 3,000 attendees. Plus, you are invited to the event’s Music Fest and Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Expo at Metropolitan Park in Downtown Jacksonville. Online registration is now open for the Challenge and for the 8am Alicia’s Run – register right now! “River City Eco Fest was created by a group of passionate individuals from all walks of life, sharing one common goal: create a self-sustaining, free eco/music festival to benefit the community,” says Joe Crespi, event organizer. “We are musical enthusiasts, environmental geeks, business owners, non-profit organizations, and outdoor lovers, but most importantly–we are all invested in creating a greener, more sustainable future for Jacksonville.” Taking center stage will be the six-mile paddle sports race along the river, which will launch from the Metropolitan Park Marina, circling around the historic Exchange Club Park Island (underneath the Mathew’s Bridge) and back. Plus, register for FREE Downtown river boat tours, thanks to the Freedom Boat Tours (registration info on website). Great sponsors and great people coming together – all for good causes. Don’t miss this great Jacksonville day of fun in the sun – start early and stay late! Following the race, the Expo will open with local outfitters, retailers, eco-tour businesses and nonprofits, who will join together with local and regional artists and eco-friendly vendors to showcase their wares for locals and tourists. A Kids’ Zone and a Food Truck Expo will be available for fun and food, and live music will include Roadkill Ghost Choir, Toubab Krewe, The Mobros, The Whetherman Band, The Parker Urban Band, Lance Neely, This Frontier Needs Heroes, and more. It will be a cool day for kayaking, canoeing and sup races, craft beer, and family activities from 10am to 10pm. So, bring a chair, your camera, and enjoy yourself! The purpose of the event is to bring about awareness of ecological concerns of our river and surroundings, as well as to celebrate the beauty of our river city by the sea. The major goal is to showcase Jacksonville and position the city as a great place to live, work, and play. Outdoor enthusiasts, environmentalists and their families will be on-hand to talk about their organizations, too. Don’t miss this year’s 5k Run and 1-mile river swim – register on the website. Bring a friend! For info and event registration, go to www.rivercitychallenge.org, FB them at facebook.com/RiverCityChallenge, email to rivercityecofest@gmail.com or just call 502-7733 and ask for Joe Crespi for more info. It’s still not too late to be a volunteer, vendor, or sponsor. Just be there – it’s going to be a great day in Jacksonville for the whole family!