A group calling itself the RiverFest Organization has scheduled a news conference Monday at the First Security Amphitheatre for the announcement of rebirth of a Riverfest music festival on the river Memorial Day weekend.

Riverfest called it quits in  2017 after 40 years of operation by a nonprofit organization, pressed by the financial realities of rising costs.

Advertisement

Into the breach steps Universal Fairs of Memphis, whose CEO Mark Lovell says the organization runs fairs, festivals and trade shows around the country, including fairs in Memphis and the Georgia State Fair.

Lovell tells me by telephone from his Memphis office that the group plans a three-day music festival, plus a “family zone,” May 25-27, Friday through Sunday. He said he’s already lined up some major sponsors, including Mid South Ford Dealers, and has worked out use of Riverfront Park with the city. He said the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau also was cooperating in planning and would participate in Monday’s news conference.

Advertisement

It’s too soon, Lovell said, to predict the musical acts.

To my question of how he plans to succeed where the nonprofit Riverfest organization said it could not, he responded: “We’re just good at what we do.”

Advertisement

He said his company had “rescued” other faltering events.

He said Riverfest would have two main stages, the amphitheater and a stage in the Clinton Library park.

Advertisement

He said he expected his phone to be “ringing off the wall” next week after the formal announcement.

I haven’t gotten return calls from the city to confirm arrangements they have made to renew the event. LRCVB sent notice of Monday’s press announcement.

Advertisement

UPDATE: John Eckart, the city parks director indicates his department isn’t expected to play a role as in years past. He said the event isn’t extended to extend west from the amphitheater, which is managed by the visitors bureau. The Clinton park land on which another stage is planned is managed by the Clinton Foundation, though it is city land leased to the foundation.

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Tacos 4 Life coming 2 NLR Next article Mardi Gras all weekend: People and dog parades, beard contest, food, beer, etc.