Heartwood Soundstage Signs on as Sponsor
January 28, 2024 – Our Santa Fe River, Inc. announces the 12th Annual RiverFest to be held throughout March 2024. RiverFest offers two guided Plant Hikes along the Santa Fe River, a ‘Springs Hop’ paddle, and culminates in the annual Song Contest on Sunday March 24th at Rum 138, 2070 Southwest County Road 138, Fort White, Florida. RiverFest event details are available at oursantaferiver.org.
The Singer/Songwriter Contest is open to all amateur & professional songwriters attracting local and regional songwriters from around the state. Singer/Songwriters will write and perform original songs about the Santa Fe River to compete for cash prizes while showcasing and sharing their musical skills to help raise money for a good cause—the Santa Fe River, its springs, and aquifer. Since the contest’s inception, more than 100 songs have been written to honor the river.
The Song Contest winner and two runners-up will receive cash prizes. The first-place winner will also receive studio recording time at Heartwood Soundstage in Gainesville. All participants will also receive a professional YouTube video of their performance. Entry fee is $25. Entry form and more information can be found at oursantaferiver.org/riverfest/song-contest. Entry deadline is March 1st.
Our Santa Fe River’s 12th Annual RiverFest
Celebrates the Beauty and Importance of the Santa Fe River
The 12th Annual RiverFest will be held throughout March 2024. RiverFest offers two guided Plant Hikes along the Santa Fe River, a ‘Springs Hop” paddle, and culminates in the annual Song Contest on Sunday March 24th at Rum 138, 2070 Southwest County Road 138, Fort White, Florida. RiverFest event details are available at oursantaferiver.org.
RiverFest month begins on March 9th with a guided Plant Hike by Dr. Colette Jacono at a new location, the Santa Fe River Preserve’s South Tract. A second guided Plant Hike will be held March 16th at Little Awesome Preserve. Plus, a Florida Naturalist Guide led ‘Springs Hop’ paddle will be hosted on March 23rd.
Early RiverFest sponsors include Rum 138, Heartwood Soundstage, Porta Serve, Adventure Outpost, Dr. Colette Jacono and Winn Dixie. If you are interested in information about sponsorship or program advertising visit oursantaferiver.org/riverfest/become-a-sponsor.
Tickets for the RiverFest Song Contest on March 24th are $10 for adults, and free for children under 12. The Plant Hikes are $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at oursantaferiver.org. Tickets for the Springs Hop Paddle are $60 (includes boat and shuttle) and can be purchased by calling Adventure Outpost at (386) 497-4214 or email RiverGuide2000@yahoo.com.
RiverFest aims to raise awareness and funds for educational programs geared at protecting the Santa Fe River, a world-renowned spring-fed waterway that supports a rich biodiversity of plants and animals, as well as provides recreational and economic benefits to the community. The river is facing threats from over-pumping, pollution, and development, which affect its water quality and quantity.
“RiverFest is a celebration of our connection to the river and our commitment to protect it for future generations,” said Kristin Rubin, long-time member and former president of Our Santa Fe River, Inc. “We hope that by showcasing the beauty and importance of the river through music, art, and education, we can inspire people to join us in our efforts to preserve this natural treasure.”
All proceeds from these events go to support the educational programs and projects of Our Santa Fe River, Inc. For more information about the RiverFest, visit oursantaferiver.org website or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oursantaferiver.
About Our Santa Fe River, Inc.
Our Santa Fe River, Inc. is a Florida 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-run corporation that works to protect the aquifer, springs, and rivers within the watershed of the Santa Fe River. The organization advocates for responsible water management, promotes public education and awareness, and supports scientific research and environmental monitoring. For more information, visit oursantaferiver.org”
