Huron River Fest in full swing

HURON — Thousands of people flood the Huron Boat Basin for the Huron River Festival.The first night of one of the most popular festivals in the area kicked off Friday night with the queen's pageant and the famous firework show."We have a lot of great festivals in a relatively small geographical area," festival committee chairperson William Biddlecombe told the Register. "What I think sets us apart from the rest is our location along the river and our amazing firework display."But those who missed the fireworks last night still have plenty to look forward to since the festival continues all weekend with live entertainment, rides, parades and more.And for the first time ever, the roadshow will include a live performance by the band Ruby and the Illusions.One of the biggest draws, however, to attend the festival this weekend is the chance to connect with people from the area."What I enjoy the most is knowing that our festival brings so many people together," Biddlecombe said.Huron River FestSaturday, July 14• Road Show: 9-3 p.m.• Parade: 11 a.m.• Movies by the bay: 5-10:30 p.m.Sunday, July 15• Pets on the Pier: 9:30 a.m. to noon• Beautiful Baby Contest: 11 a.m.• Huron High School Cheerleaders performance: 1-1:30 p.m.• St. Pete's Duck Race: 3 p.m.For the festival schedule, visit huronriverfest.com.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterPaige Johnson, 9, throws a dart to pop a balloon and win a prize at Huron's River Fest on Friday, July 13, 2018.Brothers Teddy, 5, and Anthony Filpo, 7, enjoy a ride at River Fest in Huron on Friday, July 13, 2018.Community members walk around River Fest in Huron on Friday, July 13, 2018.Saissy Kendig and her son, Rowyn, 4, laugh while going down a slide at River Fest on Friday, July 13, 2018, in Huron.A group of children try to win goldfish during Huron River Fest on Friday, July 13, 2018.Children smile while having fun on one of the rides at Huron River Fest on Friday, July 13, 2018.