Occoquan reviews RiverFest after 12 heat-related medical transports; council considers moving date

The Occoquan Town Council on June 16 reviewed RiverFest operations after staff reported multiple heat-related medical transports during this year’s event and discussed changes to improve safety and vendor outcomes.

Events Director Tammy Hassett told the council that financial figures for RiverFest remain preliminary because several expenses have not been finalized. She said vendor feedback was mixed; some commercial vendors reported disappointing sales while kayak tours were "very well received." Councilmember Eliot Perkins told the council that businesses that actively engaged attendees performed better and suggested load-out issues may have stemmed from volunteers unfamiliar with procedures.

Town Manager Adam Linn said staff is considering moving RiverFest in 2027 to the third weekend in May, one week before Memorial Day, to avoid recurring June heat waves. Linn said there were 12 emergency medical transports during this year's event related to heat illness. Events Director Hassett said a successful beer garden would require a larger tent to provide shaded seating and suggested focusing on the core festival experience to attract better vendors.

Council discussed operational fixes including adjusting vendor application timing so fees are charged only after acceptance to avoid refund processing; Vice Mayor Jenn Loges suggested a nominal application fee to discourage lower-quality submissions, while Sarah Burzio of Visit Occoquan cautioned that application fees are uncommon in regional craft shows and could reduce applicant numbers.

Council directed staff to consider the date change and shade/medical-planning measures as part of the final RiverFest report to be returned to the council.