FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The 49th annual ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Three Rivers Festival officially kicked off the festival Friday, July 7, in Junk Food Alley. The ribbon-cutting was then followed by the Three Rivers Festival Parade Saturday morning.
The parade began with an A-10 flyover from the 122nd Fighter Wing. Jack Hammer, Executive Director for the Three Rivers Festival, said the news of the A-10 flyover, “brought great joy, that was humbling and symbolic.”
A new look was also debuted for the Mad Ants and the Mad Ant’s mascot.
This year’s theme was superheroes. “This year’s theme was chosen to bring our community together to celebrate the courage, strength and hope that superheroes represent,” said Hammer.
The festival is scheduled to last through July 15.
Special opening weekend events include:
Saturday:
- The Lutheran Health Network Parade
- Art in the Park at Freimann Square
- In the Ruoff Festival Plaza on the GM/UAW Concert Stage:
- Hoosier Lottery Day with the Rock of the 80s Tour featuring the Romantics, Smithereens, the Motels and Bow Wow Wow
Listen to Three Rivers Festival Director Jack Hammer’s full interview with Charly Butcher regarding the ribbon-cutting ceremony and more festival details below:
