27 Years Later! Riverfest Continues to be a Can't-Miss Event in Casper

Riverfest 2019 is right around the corner and as we gear up for another great event, it has us looking back on the history of Riverfest and how it became an annual end-of-summer event that can’t be missed! ​

The first Riverfest was held on September 5, 1992 in Casper to celebrate the completion of the newest section of the River Trail. The inaugural event included a triathlon, BBQ, games and a Duck Regatta; known more recently as the Great Duck Derby. Since inception the event has evolved with the addition of local and regional craft beer tasting, live music, delicious food trucks, and all kinds of family fun. Another fun fact: Riverfest has been held in several different locations over the years including at the hotel once known as the Holiday Inn on the River, Morad Park and at Crossroads Park where we’ve been located for over 10 years.

What started as celebration of trail building success has also become the biggest fundraiser for Platte River Trails. While attending the event has always been FREE, Platte River Trails introduced the beer tasting component around 1997. All proceeds from the event are directed towards our organization’s work to build, maintain and enhance our community’s trails. As noted above, the first Riverfest included the famous rubber ducky race down the North Platte River, but in 2000, Platte River Trails made the partnership with the Great Duck Derby official, which happens to also be Rotary’s largest fundraiser. One great event, supporting many organizations doing great things to strengthen our community!

While the specific activities and entertainment have changed, that same spirit of celebration and community support lives on year after year.  From the get-go, this event would not be possible without the amazing sponsors we’ve had the support of throughout the years. We want to thank all sponsors, past and present for making Riverfest a summer event staple in Casper. Together with our 2019 sponsors, Foss Motors; Williams, Porter Day and Neville, P.C; Lincoln Financial Advisors, Hilltop Bank, Rocking K Development, ANB Bank and countless in-kind supporters, we look forward to another great Riverfest celebrating the wonderful community we live in and trail expansion across the area!

Visit www.casperriverfest.com to learn more about 2019 Riverfest and support our trails by purchasing your unlimited craft beer tasting tickets ($23 before Aug, 17th or $30 day of).

Take a trip down memory lane and view past Riverfest promotions below!