Cloggers, runners, kayaks and more Freeport September by the River festival

Live music, craft and food vendors, and activities galore will highlight Freeport’s September by the River celebration Saturday and Sunday.

“We hope to cater to loyal attendees over the years and bring in some new folks,” said Cheyenne Filous, secretary of the Freeport Renaissance Association, which is sponsoring the event. “We expect people, young and old, to attend especially with the beautiful weather this weekend.”

More than 22 vendors will offer up food, arts and crafts and information on local businesses and nonprofits.

Riverside Drive will be closed from Fourth Street to Sixth Street during the two-day festival.

The event will feature a myriad of attractions including a kayak demonstration, yoga in the park, Freeport Area Library’s Fall Flea Market, performances from Lisa Marie’s School of Dance, the Mon Valley Cloggers, Katelyn Hemphill, and the Family Tradition Band.

New this year is the Bull Run 5k Run/Walk in honor of Robert “Bull” Jarosinski, an area resident who died of cancer earlier this year. The $25 registration fee will go to pay the expenses of a local cancer patient, Filous said.

“It’s a great way to kick off the opening of the festival,” she said.

Also new is a live art demonstration by local artist Sue Schwarz and an organized chalk art event, both on Saturday.

The Chalk Art celebration is a collaborative art project on the sidewalks of the town’s business district. Artistic adults and youths are encouraged to come up with an illustration celebrating the Allegheny River.

“It’s a cute way to create art and celebrate our town,” said Virginia Lindsay, co-owner of 1833 Coffee and Tea Co. in Freeport. Participants are encouraged to pre-register via Freeport Renaissance Association’s website.

Rent The Chicken will sponsor a unique bingo game where contestants wait to see where a chicken deposits its dropping on a large grass bingo card.

A hospitality tent with seating will be available as well as a tent for young mothers to change diapers and feed their babies.

Food vendors will sell a range of street fair delicacies such as cheese steak sandwiches, shrimp po’boys, chips, limeade and more.

Freeport’s September by the River is free and will be held from noon-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. The festival will be at Riverside Park in Freeport with some events held in town. Schedule and event details are available on the association’s website.