Initially founded because of its strategic location at the convergence of three rivers, Fort Wayne has a deep link to the three rivers that weave their way through our city. At that time, the rivers served as important trade routes, but now, we have moved onto planes, trains, and automobiles and let the rivers' functionality fade into the past. We owe our city's existence to the rivers, but how often do we stop to take a look at what they still have to offer us today? Riverpalooza is a festival intended to help people rediscover the city and show our city's youth what downtown has to offer! Taking place on Saturday, May 31, at the Historic Wells Street Bridge, this festival will help Fort Wayne residents and visitors alike reconnect with the mighty rivers it's named for. From 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, the festival will offer boat rides, build-a-boat events, entertainment, clinics, and other fun activities.

As a part of the events, Fort Wayne's Mayor's Youth Engagement Council(MYEC)  is putting on Fort Wayne's Almost Famous. This talent competition gives area high school students the chance to showcase their talents. Students could enter singing, dancing, musical, or other performance acts. The MYEC is a group of city high school students from sophomores to seniors representing a variety of schools. The council is meant to address the need for youth involvement in the city. Riverpalooza will be the council's fourth event.

The events are free to attend and open to people of all ages. Vendors will be onsite offering a variety of food and proceeds will go toward Crossroad Children's Home. Riverpalooza promises to be a great time!