Saltillo River Day celebrates Hardin County town's heritage
Event kicks off Friday evening, goes through Saturday
Saltillo River Day, the annual heritage event held outdoors on the quaint city streets of Saltillo, kicks off today (Friday, Sept. 20) with an “Around the Town Poker Run and Rock the Dock” street party.
Sponsored by The Friends of Saltillo Landing, the poker run begins at Saltillo Landing at 5 p.m. Golf cart riders and walkers are invited to join the fun as the poker run takes participants through the streets of Saltillo, with the final destination back at the landing.
“Proceeds from the poker run help pay for beautification and upkeep of the landing and dock,” said Greg Billings, Saltillo mayor.
Recent Saltillo Landing projects include new handrails, dock lights, dock stain and sealant, water-level dock bumpers and two 6’x10’ flags -- U.S. and Tennessee -- displayed on new flag poles at the landing.
Rock the Dock begins at Saltillo Landing at 8 p.m., and features a disc jockey playing “a variety of musical genres, from country western to hip-hop,” Billings said. “It will be a casual time of dancing and socializing on the banks of the Tennessee River.”
Saltillo River Day itself is on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The mayor describes it as a family-friendly event “all about building community,” and said that “lots of former residents come back for River Day and reunite with neighbors and friends. It’s also a time for new people in the community to meet others and get acquainted. This year, being an election year, there will be political candidates for the City of Saltillo’s mayor and alderman positions out and about, available to share their platforms with people.”
River Day features live entertainment throughout the day, including Hot Grass, Country Line, The Cliftones, Lakelin Lemmings, TR Kane, and Wired.
Food vendors and craft vendors provide a little something for everyone. Activities for children at Kidz Korner tout a bouncy house and obstacle course.
Abundant parking is available, with golf cart shuttles provided to transport attendees to event areas.
