Waynesboro Riverfest

Credit: Pixabay Creative Commons license

This free annual event takes place riverside at Constitution Park in Waynesboro on the last Saturday of April.

Activities include Reptile World shows, Stream Safari, presentations by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Fish and Fun Rodeo, Farmer’s Market, Canoe Rides, Kids Arts & Crafts, Stream Electro-fishing and is capped off by the Great South River Duck Race.

For the Duck Race, participants buy a plastic duck for a floating race down the Great South River. One ducks costs $5, three ducks cost $10 and seven ducks cost $20. Ducks are available for purchase at Waynesboro Public Library, Waynesboro Florist, Royal Station on Broad Street and Waynesboro YMCA.

Prizes are:

1st Place: $1,000 – 1/2 cash & 1/2 sponsor gift certificates
2nd Place: $300 – cash & gift certificates
3rd Place: $150 – cash or gift certificates
4th & 5th Place: $50 each – cash or certificates

The Wildlife Center has education animals and offers information about wildlife and the environment.

The Reptile World program gives audiences a chance to see a wide selection of live and gentle reptiles from around the world.

Riverfest reaches more than 1,500 children and adults and emphasizes the community’s commitment and responsibility to the conservation of our natural resources.

Parking and Location

Constitution Park at 101 Short Street has parking available for festival visitors.

The city-managed park is home to soccer games and the Waynesboro Farmers Market. It also has an arboretum and two reservable two shelters.

Nearby Attractions

Waynesboro is well known as an Appalachian Trail Community with easy access to the trail, Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Shenandoah Valley.

Other attractions include the P. Buckley Moss Museum, 329 West Main Street, and the Wildlife Center of Virginia, 1800 South Delphine Street.

It also is home to several wineries and craft breweries.