The 2016 Red Bank Riverfest drew thousands of visitors to borough's waterfront on Saturday.
RED BANK - Tasty food, great music and a picturesque waterfront setting are only a few of the things that drew thousands of visitors to the borough's popular annual Riverfest event on Saturday.
The three-day festival - which features live music on two stages, as well as a host of vendors and activities for children - kicked off at the borough's Marine Park on Friday night and was scheduled to run through Sunday.
Old Bridge resident Lesley Guttman spent Saturday afternoon at Riverfest with her 2-year-old daughter, Emma.
"It's a cute event. It's family friendly, it's right by the water and there's tons of stuff for (Emma) to do," Guttman said. "I'd definitely recommend it to other people, because it's a fun day out for families and friends. ... And they have a wine tent!"
Emma also gave Riverfest a glowing review after getting a pink butterfly painted on her arm, telling a reporter she liked the event and pointing out a playground she hoped to explore.
For the dozens of vendors in attendance each year, Riverfest typically provides a steady flow of patrons throughout the weekend.
Arlene Bannon, owner of the Asbury Park boardwalk-based Tony's Italian Sausage, had two booths operating in different parts of the Riverfest grounds this year.
"This is usually a very good event because of the way that it's organized and because of the town itself, Bannon said. "Red Bank is a happening town and everybody knows it, people want to be here and it's a great place for families to visit. The setting on the river is beautiful and it's a very safe event."
For many of the visitors, Riverfest offers an inexpensive opportunity to spend the day listening to live bands in a laid-back festival setting.
The music is what drew Highlands residents John Warden to Riverfest again this year.
"We live nearby and we just think it's great here, and I knew there was going to be live bands and I wanted to show my daughters the bands," said Warden, who attended the festival with his two daughters and his sister. "Everybody just sits on the hill right in front of the main stage and you can watch the bands play one right after another. It's totally laid back and the lemonade is awesome. What more can you ask for?"
The rain or shine Riverfest is scheduled to continue Sunday with four bands expected to take the main stage starting at 11 a.m., including Brian Kirk & The Jirks at 2 p.m and E Street Shuffle at 4 p.m.
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.