FIND OUT MORETo see the full schedule of events, visit www.RiverRocksChattanooga.com or call Chattanooga Presents at 265-0771.
Over the next 10 days, locals and visitors to the area might notice an even larger flurry of activity.
RiverRocks gets under way in earnest today. The family-friendly festival, featuring multiple events held on multiple days in multiple locations, is designed to showcase the area's natural beauty, the benefits of being active and the diverse outdoor activities in the area.
More than 93 events are on the schedule, highlighted today by Over the Edge, a rappelling adventure off the 20-story SunTrust Bank building, 736 Market St. Each participant in this official kickoff event has committed to raise at least $1,000 for the Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts of America. Almost 70 "edgers" can be seen rappelling between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Hot-air balloons will take flight Saturday and Sunday mornings, weather permitting, at Tyner Academy ($250 fee). The balloons will be on the riverfront Saturday night for tethered rides and the balloon glow at nightfall.
Each day through Oct. 15, there will be opportunities for kayaking, rowing, hiking, biking, swimming, paddleboarding and trail running. However, not all events require participants to know their resting pulse rate. There are dozens of hikes, walks and animal programs designed for families with young children or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Coolidge Park takes center stage for the finale on Oct. 13, a day filled with music, kids activities, educational programs, art and entertainment.
It will conclude with the new Gig City Roots concert featuring The Secret Sisters at Coolidge Park. Producer/guitarist T Bone Burnett will join them from the University of Southern California via Internet hookup and cutting-edge technology. The 7 p.m. concert precedes a sculpture burn. Also performing, in order, will be Futureman and his Circle of Harmony, The Nim Nims, Doyle Dykes, Todd Snider and Jason D. Williams. The show will be simulcast live at riverrockschattanooga.com.