University Star

The San Marcos river has been far from raging this year, but that is about to change.

The Student Association for Campus Activities is hosting Riverfest on Thursday, April 26 at Sewell Park. Riverfest is a free event open to the public. Attendees can expect music, games and giveaways.

Rachael Horton, SACA Pride and Traditions Coordinator, said attendance at Riverfest in the past has been approximately 4,000 people.

“The crowd is primarily students but we open it to the community as well,” Horton said.
Horton said Riverfest will start at 3 p.m. with student organizations, local businesses, and food vendors giving away free swag and food. 

She said there will also be fun activities like a photo booth and airbrush tattoo station. Popular giveaways will include sunglasses and t-shirts.

Riverfest’s music lineup features MC Ronny Jordan, The Hope and Stay, Hip Hop Congress and Yung Joc.

The Hope and Stay is scheduled to kick off the music performances and take the stage at 7 p.m.  The Hope and Stay won SACA’s annual Battle of the Bands competition in March to earn their spot at Riverfest.

Peyton Eaton, The Hope and Stay singer and guitarist, said he is excited about playing at Riverfest and this will be his first year to attend.

“Something that people can expect to see from The Hope and Stay is a lot of energy and a lot jam packed in those 20 minutes,” Eaton said. “We want to make an impression in San Marcos and show the world that we are here. It’s going to be high energy and hopefully really engaging for the audience.”

Eaton said The Hope and Stay may even play the song that helped them win Battle of the Bands — their version of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Superstitious.”

Brittany Levier, President of Hip Hop Congress, said this will be her second year to attend Riverfest.

“Last year was pretty dope,” Levier said. “The artists, they were dope, and the crowd was really loud so it was a great atmosphere.”

Levier said Hip Hop Congress is working hard to prepare for Riverfest.

“All I can really say is that it’s going to be a party at Texas State,” she said. “We are really looking forward to giving our fellow Texas State Bobcats a good time, and just doing what we do best.”
Horton said Riverfest is a tradition that has gone on since 2003.

“We do the best we can with the funds that are provided,” he said. “We are really excited to continue the tradition and hope that everyone has a good time.”