Gadsden's Riverfest could become christian oriented event

A newly formed nonprofit group wants the City of Gadsden’s cooperation in taking over the operation of Gadsden’s Riverfest.

Trent Garmon, who along with Ralph Jarrells and Myron Allenstein established the RiverFest Community & Economic Development Corp., told City Council members Tuesday the group wants to take the festival in a different direction with more Christian artists and a lower cost of admission.

Garmon, an attorney, said the group wants assistance from the city’s police and public works departments, and the rights to the RiverFest name.

The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County announced in July that it would begin discussions with other entities that might be interesting in taking over the event. Chamber President Heather Brothers New said the festival, which she said lost $42,000 this year, was not in the organization’s mission of being a catalyst for economic growth.

The discussion with Garmon took place at a Finance Committee meeting called by Chairman Robert Avery that was attended by all other council members.

Garmon said the group wants to operate the festival, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, for a year using the trademark name RiverFest. He said the name is valuable and because of it, people will continue to come to the festival.

The group plans to tweak the activities, however. One night would be a “Faith Night,” featuring Christian artists, and another night would be a “soft secular night,” with diverse groups including Christian artists performing.