Construction work on hold for Riverfest, artwork unveiled

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) —  The City of Wilmington has decided to hold off on construction work on the Riverwalk until after the Riverfest Festival.

Work was originally set to begin, shutting down Water Street from Princess to Market. Crews will instead spend this week and next week performing construction surveying, utility marking, and installation of some fencing and signage. The section of the road that was originally closed will be open to pedestrians during Riverfest.

Organizers said this is a good thing because now there is room for more vendors.

After Riverfest, pedestrians will be able to use the sidewalk in front of the Federal Courthouse, but the 00 block of N. Water Street will be closed to vehicles. The block of Riverfront Park will be closed to pedestrians. The Market Street intersection will remain open until November.

The Riverfest Executive Committee also unveiled a new painting from this year’s featured artist Ronald Williams.

The painting depicts the Cape Fear River along Water Street. Williams is a local painter who was on the first Riverfest board and said he is thrilled to be the featured artist.

Riverfest Chairman Chris Snowden said, “In addition to having this as our featured artist Ronald Williams as the painter, we also have a glass blower that has done a piece for us this year for Riverfest.”

Snowden says there will be a couple of pirate ships in the river which is something they’ve never had before and a fireworks show will be held Saturday night. Riverfest will held next Friday through Sunday.