By ARRABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
RIO HONDO, TX—Local crooner and recent “American Idol” contestant, Brody Rivers is headlining the live entertainment at Bridge Fest 2024.
The popular Rio Hondo festival, which had its inaugural year in 2018 to celebrate the reopening of the famed Rio Hando drawbridge after a lengthy closure for refurbishment, is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17, from 5:30-10:30 p.m. on West Colorado Street in the heart of Rio Hondo leading to the bridge.
Along with vendor booths, live music, food, games and kiddy rides, attendees have been able to inspect the bridge up close since it’s closed to vehicular traffic for the festival. Since its inception, the event has blossomed into an annual tradition where the public is able to fellowship for a night and enjoy the festivities. Entrance to the event is free, however the rides, as well as food and vendor, booths are charging. The artisan booths are also offerings hand-crafted goods for sale.
Rivers, who performed with his band at last year’s Bridge Fest, is slated as the live entertainment again this year. Rivers, a Rio Hondo native known for his stellar live performances, further gained regional and national prominence after an appearance on the hit television show, “American Idol.” In an earlier interview with the NEWS, Rivers said his music career initiated as a cure for boredom during the pandemic, explaining that he began honing his skills as a guitarist and lyricist while sequestered in his dorm room as a student at the University of Texas-San Antonio.
According to a June 19 Bridge Fest Organizing Committee Facebook post, the committee is still searching for two bands to perform for the night. The post went on to acknowledge volunteers and noted that the committee welcomed new members and invited the public to join the committee at meetings held weekly at the Rio Hondo Civic Center, 121 N. Arroyo Blvd., Rio Hondo at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.
According to the Bridge Fest Organizing Committee, the festival attracted over 4,000 attendees in 2023. Committee members also indicated that there are limited vendor spaces available and encouraged vendors to reserve their 12’X12’ booths early. Vendor spaces are available for $100 per space.
Vendor registration forms, along with all applicable fees, must be complete and submitted to the City of Rio Hondo, 121 N. Arroyo Blvd., no later than 1 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2024.
Again, pre-registration price is $100 per space and $120 the day of the event. According to the vendor rules, food vendors must obtain a food permit from the Cameron County Public Health Department for certain food items. For more information, call or visit the county health department at (956) 247-3685 or visit the county health department office at 1390 W. Expressway 83, San Benito. Food permits must be visibly displayed at the booth to avoid any fines or being asked to close the booth and vacate the booth premises.
Registration fees are non-refundable. Vendors must provide their own booth structures and must set-up within the assigned paid booth space. If booth size requirements are not met, an oversize fee will be charged and the vendor risks relocation.
Set-up arrival time is noon-3 p.m. Vendors must arrive at their designated booth area on time, or risk relocation.
No music is allowed at the booths and vendors must follow all city, state, and federal rules, guidelines, laws and ordinances, according to the vendor application.
For more information, or for a vendor space application, find the City of Rio Hondo online or call Rio Hondo City Hall at (956) 748- 0220. Registration forms may also be faxed to (956) 748-4394. Payments may be made by phone using a credit or debit card by calling (956) 748-21202.
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