Tappahannock RivahFest

Fireman's Parade
will not be held this year 2015

Miss Flame
Miss Flame will not be held this year



The Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department's 2008 Miss Flame winner is
Stephanie Umphlette (left), first runner up Lindsay Ellis (center) and second runner-up
Kristen Andrews (right) - crowned at St. Margaret's School Stage 2.


Two of Tappahannock and Essex County’s largest annual celebrations will come together for one activity-filled weekend. Organizers of community festival RivahFest, have merged with the Tappahannock-Essex Fire Department annual parade and events, an area tradition for over 50 years. The Fireman’s Parade will kick off the festivities on Friday, June 17 through historic Water Lane and Prince Street, which is also the heart of Rivahfest activities on Saturday, June 18. Anne Richardson, Chief of the Rappahannock Indian tribe will be the Grand Marshall for the parade.


“Bringing the fire department’s parade and Miss Flame contest in with RivahFest will be great for the community,” said Fire Chief Paul Richardson. “It will be the area’s biggest celebration of the year, so our residents, businesses and civic organizations can focus their efforts towards this one event.”


Richardson said the Fire Department is still accepting participants for the parade floats and the Miss Flame contest. Parade awards will be handed out on Friday evening immediately following the parade on the “small stage” located in front of St. Margaret’s Hall on Water Lane. The Miss Flame contest will take place on the same stage at 11:00 on Saturday. Young ladies ages 15-20 who live in the following counties: Essex, King & Queen, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond or Westmoreland are eligible to enter.

Tickets are also available, as in previous years, for the fire department’s annual raffle. Prizes will be given in the amounts of $1,000, $500, and $250. Tickets are available for $1 from any fire department member.


These events, combined with RivahFest’s full day of shopping, food, kids’ activities, music, car and boat show and more, will make Tappahannock in June “the place to be” for residents and visitors alike.


“We immediately welcomed the idea of fireman’s parade kicking off the Rivahfest celebration.” says Rivahfest Steering Committee member, Joey Reinhardt. “We hope this brings more community participation for both events.”


For more information or to download vendor applications, visit Rivahfest online at www.rivahfest.com Anyone interested in entering the parade please contact Michael Blagmon at 804-241-5134. Applications are also being accepted for the Miss Flame contest through June 2. Contact Loretta Greubel at 804-443-5009 from 7-9 p.m. for more information.


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