Special Friday — Groups head to RiverFest
Published 5:14 pm Saturday, May 4, 2019
PORT NECHES — RiverFest opened early and carnival rides slowed down a bit as a group of local and area folks arrived to have some fun on Friday afternoon.
The “special needs” session saw both school aged children and adults hit the festival grounds at noon.
Taft Elementary School aide Lisa Morgan and teacher Kerrie Davis were busy with their group of students, shadowing them and encouraging them as they went from ride to ride.
“They’re having a blast out here,” Morgan said. “And we appreciate how the children can have a couple of hours of fun. They definitely had a great time.”
Davis, who heads up a specialized academic instruction classroom at Taft in Port Neches-Groves Independent School District, said for many kids this is a new experience.
Roxanne Somerville with the Estelle and Allan Fetters Center of Groves had a small group of clients with her who appeared eager to ride the carnival rides.
The Fetters Center is a nonprofit organization for special needs adults that allow them a chance to get together with friends, participate in activities and experience new adventures, she said.
“They get to do something they normally don’t get to do,” Somerville said.
She called it wonderful for the festival to open up for the special needs session.
“Most of these students never have this opportunity to have fun like this due to monetary issues,” she said.
Port Neches RiverFest is set to continue with carnival rides, food, vendors, arts and crafts and power boat races at Port Neches Riverfront Park Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, May 4
- 7 – 8:30 a.m. — S.P.O.R.T driver registration and inspection
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Boat testing and races
- 9 – 11:30 a.m. — Photo Contest registration, judging at noon, Hebert Public Library with reception at 1:30 p.m.
- 9 a.m. to midnight — Entertainment complex open
- 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. — Wagner Carnival & vendors open.
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Classic Car Show, sponsored by Melancon’s Funeral Home
- 10 a.m. – 6p.m. — Bow-Tie Entertainment, pavilion. Music, karaoke, trivia and prizes
- 11 a.m. – noon — Veterans Parade, starts at PNG High School, ends at pavilion for ceremony. Singer: Kassie Carpenter.
- Noon – 12:30 p.m. — Local talent spotlight, pavilion
- 12:30 – 1 p.m. — Mid-County Tiger Rock, pavilion
- 1 – 2 p.m. — Cutest baby Contest, pavilion
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. — Disney Princess and Spider-Man meet and greet, pavilion
- 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Tonalta School of Music, pavilion
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Cajun Harmony, Riverfront stage
- 8 – 9 p.m. — Richard LeBouef, Riverfront stage
- 9 – 9:10 p.m. — Fireworks
- 9:10 – 10 p.m. — Richard LeBouef, Riverfront stage
- 10:30 p.m. – midnight — Kyle Park, Riverfront stage