Special to The News

PORT NECHES — Officials are getting ready for the Annual Port Neches RiverFest at Port Neches River Front Park from Wednesday, May 1 to Sunday, May 5, sponsored by Neches Federal Credit Union.

“Thunder on the Neches” power boat races, produced by John Schubert with North American Speed Boat Federation, will start Saturday, May 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continue Sunday, May 5, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Entertainment, sponsored by Classic Southeast Texas and Michelob Ultra

Wednesday, May 1 — Annual Faith & Family Night, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Thursday, sponsored by Leak Sealers, featuring Jordan Feliz.

Thursday, May 2 — Thomas Teague, 7–8 p.m.; Pug Johnson, 8:15–9:30 p.m.; The Big Show, 9:45–11 p.m.

Friday, May 3 — Curse & the Cure, 7–8 p.m.; Larry Tillery, 8:30–10 p.m.; .38 Special, 10:30 p.m.–midnight.

Saturday, May 4 — Cajun Harmony, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; Richard LeBouef, 8–9 p.m.; Fireworks, 9-9:10 p.m.; Richard LeBouef, 9:10–10 p.m.; Kyle Park, 10:30 p.m.– midnight.

RiverFest also offers a variety of food and arts & crafts vendors Thursday through Sunday.

On Thursday, May 2, will be the Philpott Motors Carnival Ride Wristband Night. Stop by Philpott Motors in Nederland and pick up a $5-off coupon.

On Saturday, May 4, there will be lots of local talent performing at the Acadian Ambulance Pavilion.

The Annual Classic Car Show, sponsored by Melancon’s Funeral Home, will also be hosted within the Port Neches Park.

Sunday, May 5, the 2019 Miss Port Neches Royalty and 2019 Mother of the Year will be announced.

Other scheduled events are the Pet Show, Treasure Hunt, 2-day Fishing Tournament, Horseshoe & Washer Tournament, Veteran’s Parade, Fireworks Display, Cutest Baby Contest, Photo Contest and a kid coloring contest where the winner gets his/her picture put on a t-shirt, and much more.

2019 RiverPasses for unlimited carnival rides are on sale now at the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce and online at PNRiverfest.com. Price is $45 per person for unlimited rides and free admission to the Entertainment Complex Wednesday–Sunday.

Saturday, April 27, the weekend before Riverfest, there will be the Annual Riverfest 1K & 5K Fun Run.

Plus this year check out the “Smoke on the Water” BBQ Cook Off at the Neches River Wheelhouse and sign up today.

Prices for the All-inclusive wristbands for the boat races and Entertainment Complex will be as follows: General Admission — $30 wristband, good for all 3 nights (Thursday– Saturday); Wednesday, Faith & Family Night — $5, youth 3 and under get in free; Thursday — $15 (children 3 and under get in free); Friday — $20 (children 3 and under get in free); Saturday — $15 (children 3 and under get in free); Sunday — no charge.

The public will also be able to purchase Faith & Family Night tickets, entertainment passes and Riverpasses online at www.pnriverfest.com.

The following areas are NOT inside the gate, and will remain FREE to the public: The pavilion, all vendors – food and arts & crafts, Port Neches Park, Fun Run, Car Show, Boat Show, and Barbeque Cook-off.

Tugboat Island and the Splash Park will be closed May 1–May 5.

Golf carts will be running to provide rides to the park. For more details, call the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce at 722-9154, go to www.pnRiverFest.com, or find us on Facebook.