River Fest was started in 2007 as a component of the Upper Kennebec Valley Outdoor Expo to draw families to the growing recreational activities and illustrate the breadth of activities possible along the river. This family festival is intended to illustrate the vision for the Kennebec River Gorge once the area is fully developed for recreational activities through the Run of River Project (see below.)

In 2010, Skowhegan Savings became the primary sponsor for the event.

Partner organizations include:

Promotional materials provided in part with a grant from the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council and the Maine Office of Tourism.

The Run of River Project will enable public use of the Kennebec River Gorge and its environs for a diverse and complimentary variety of land and water-based recreation activities. The project will serve the needs of local residents and seeks to provide a regionally important attraction that will draw recreationists and tourists to the greater Skowhegan area.

More on the Run of River Project.