From One Porch to a Community Tradition: Rivers House Porch Fest Is Here to Stay
- Sandi Dunnavant
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
There is something timeless about gathering on a front porch. It is where neighbors become friends, stories are shared, music fills the evening air, and a community comes together. That vision came to life during the first Rivers House Heritage & Adventure Center Porch Fest, and thanks to an overwhelming community response, it is only the beginning.
More than 150 people attended the inaugural Porch Fest featuring Remedy, despite threatening weather. Families filled the lawn, friends visited beneath the glow of the porch lights, children danced to the music, and the historic Rivers House once again became a place where people gathered. The event demonstrated exactly what the Green Cove Springs Preservation Society has envisioned for this historic home: not simply preserving an old building, but restoring it as a vibrant community gathering place.
The evening was such a success that the Preservation Society has decided to make Porch Fest a monthly tradition, held on the second Friday of every month. Each event will feature talented regional musicians while raising funds to restore the Rivers House into the Rivers House Heritage & Adventure Center.
August Porch Fest Welcomes Taildraggers Ultralight
The next Porch Fest will be held Friday, August 14, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., featuring Taildraggers Ultralight, an outstanding acoustic bluegrass group known throughout North Florida.
Taildraggers Ultralight is a smaller ensemble from the popular North Florida Taildraggers, performing original songs along with traditional favorites in the Acoustic Americana, Folk, and Bluegrass traditions. The group has appeared at many of Florida's premier music events, including the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, Florida Folk Festival, Will McLean Music Festival, and numerous concerts throughout Northeast Florida.
The band features Trey Brewer on vocals, mandolin, and guitar; Jan Brewer on upright bass; Paige Bechtol on banjo; and Michael Lagasse on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and vocals. Their musicianship and warm stage presence make them the perfect performers for an evening on the porch of one of Green Cove Springs' most treasured historic homes.
Reserve Your Lawn Chair Space
Guests are encouraged to reserve a front lawn seating space for $40. Bring your favorite lawn chair, or if you do not have one, a chair will be provided.
Reserved seating places guests closest to the porch, creating an intimate concert experience while supporting something much larger than a night of entertainment.
Each reservation helps pay for the musicians and event expenses while providing much needed funding for the restoration of the Rivers House. Every reserved space represents another investment in preserving Green Cove Springs' history and creating a destination that will serve residents and visitors for generations.
Food will also be available during the event, making Porch Fest a perfect evening to relax with family and friends.
Building Green Cove Springs' Front Porch
The Rivers House is becoming much more than a restored historic home. It is becoming Green Cove Springs' Front Porch.
Just as front porches once welcomed neighbors, celebrated milestones, and brought communities together, the Rivers House Heritage & Adventure Center will become a place where visitors begin exploring Green Cove Springs, where families learn about local history and the St. Johns River, where children participate in educational programs, where outdoor adventures begin, and where the community gathers for music, celebrations, and fellowship.
Every Porch Fest brings that vision one step closer to reality.
The Green Cove Springs Preservation Society invites everyone to become part of this exciting journey. Reserve your lawn chair space, enjoy an evening of exceptional bluegrass with Taildraggers Ultralight, and help build Green Cove Springs' Front Porch.
Porch Fest Friday, August 147:00–9:00 p.m.
Rivers House Heritage & Adventure Center
219 Spring Street, Green Cove Springs
Reserved Lawn Chair Space: $40
Reserve your space today:
Comments