Kicking off at 11am, the staff canoe knockouts are always a highlight and there are a couple of spots left to fill so enter your business or group to win bragging rights till next year. Registration forms are available on the website www.bellingenriverfesival.org.

The much anticipated community parade will be again be a spectacle. This year’s parade will encompass performances from varied dance troupes and styles and all will be in tune to one rhythm.

The parade will take a different path and not be hosted on Lavender’s Bridge (no road closures – see also letters page). Instead, for the finale, spectators are encouraged to witness the parade from various vantage points in Jarrett Park.

You can decorate your own lantern at the lantern workshops throughout the morning. Spaces are limited so book early on the day. Better still, come in and volunteer a small amount of time in the week leading up to the festival and also create your own lantern - hosted at River Festival HQ (behind ambulance station).

You don't have to live in the region long to have heard the energy and celebration that explodes down by the river - and this year the theme around the event is ‘participation’. There are people who have lived in this region for many years and through their lifetime have been involved in many shire events - that is the foundation for the diverse and rich community spirit of today.

The River Festival, along with Bellingen Girl Guides, will host an afternoon tea for senior members in community for support services such as Bellorama, Home Support Services, Bellingen Community Transport and Open Arms Care - and the invitation is extended to all groups who work to support the shire.

Anyone can get involved in the various play zones, river interactive zone and kids water play zone. Main stage will be packed with artists. There’s new local talent, loved regulars and committed River Festival supporters with additional performance areas springing up throughout.

The ever-popular market stalls are back and will be trading into the twilight selling a wide range of delicious food and artisan products.

Bellingen’s River Festival is a celebration of community and its success depends on the community’s support as individuals, groups and businesses. The River Festival committee would like to acknowledge the support already received from so many and we look forward to a wonderful community festival and celebration of our river, place and peoples. We hope you will love it too.

The event will ask a $5 donation from adults, while entry for children under 15 will be free.

www.bellingenriverfestival.org; www.facebook.com/bellingenriverfestival.