It's vintage Americana, it's fun for the whole family, and it's less than an hour's drive away! Don't miss the annual Tappahannock RivahFest, celebrated the third Saturday of June.

The event is truly a community creation, involving more than 200 volunteers and sponsorship by organizations ranging from health facilities and insurance companies to auto repair businesses and law firms.

Attracting 14,000 visitors last year and anticipating 15,000 this weekend, the RivahFest offers every element of a classic, small-town, summer festival.

You've got your contests. Competition will include a catfish fishing contest for men, women and children in categories--including "smallest catch"--with exciting monetary prizes--$100 for the largest fish in the children's contest. Participants can fish either from the banks or from their boats.

In addition, last year's sensation, the "hole-in-one" contest, will be featured again this year; golfers will vie for prizes as they hit their balls toward targets floating on the river. The younger folks might opt to test their talents at the miniature golf course nearby.

The local fire department, which will open the festivities with a parade through town on Friday evening, will crown a winner in the Miss Flame competition on Saturday morning.

And, in the afternoon, 10 finalists, aged 12 to 18, will be competing in the "RivahFest Idol" singing contest for the opportunity to perform on the main stage and receive the $500 prize.

You've got your children's activities. The Fest will feature a number of inflatable play-scapes, including Camelot Castle, a moon-bounce/slide combo; the Monkey Motion Extreme, a trampoline/bungee-cord experience; and the Iron Man Challenge obstacle course with 85 feet of tubes, walls, tunnels and slides--as well as a smaller version called Wacky World for the younger kids. Youngsters can also test their skills in scaling a 28-foot rock-climbing wall or take a ride through town on the Fire Truck Tram.

In addition, many children's favorites will be on site, including face painting, balloon creations, sand art, a magic show, and, in a uniquely Tappahannock event, kids can cheer on their favorites at the Crab Race tracks throughout the day.

You've got your displays and wares for sale. An antique and arts section will feature the works of more than 100 artisans and vendors. Dads may especially appreciate the boat and watercraft display and exhibits of antique cars and tractors.

Merchant's Market will feature displays of local businesses, and organizations and fresh produce will be available at the farmers market.

You've got your eats and entertainment. The Taste of Tappahannock section will feature festival foods such as cotton candy, funnel cakes, corn dogs and soft-serve ice cream, as well as specialties of local eateries.

This year's main-stage performers will be Steve Bassett and the Mystic Soul Bubbas and The Janet Martin Band, and St. John's Choral Concerts will be featured on the satellite stage.

In addition, visitors can learn the lay of the land of Tappahannock through two venues. The Treasures of Tappahannock walking tour will highlight historical and architectural features of the area. Meanwhile, participants in the Tappahannock Da Vinci Code Treasure Trail will be walking the streets to collect clues and decipher codes as they compete for a $500 cash prize.

"This will be a wholesome, quality, fun-filled day for families," said RivahFest spokes-person Hank Verinder. "So many of the activities are free, and parents will have a chance to relive some of their own childhood memories."

Collette Caprara is a local artist and freelance writer for the Fredericksburg Free Lance Star.