ST. CHARLES – With dozens of activities – including live music, a petting zoo, SWAT team demonstrations, cook-offs, bingo, carnival rides and dragon boat races – planned at nine downtown St. Charles locations this weekend, organizers of the 30th annual RiverFest encourage attendees to not wait until Sunday to partake in the festivities.

“You are going to need two days to really experience and explore every single area and activity,” said Julie Farris, executive director of Pride of the Fox.

This is the third year Pride of the Fox is producing the event, which began in 1982 with one venue and six vendors. It now boasts more than 200 vendors and nine venues, including Lincoln Park, North Third Street, Pottawatomie Park, the river walk, the municipal center and First Street.