river

Boom piers light up the Androiscoggin River as revelers line the banks of the river (right) and view carved pumpkins on the bridge. Festivities are held riverside and at Service Credit Union Heritage Park (upper right). (COURTESY PHOTO

BERLIN — The popular RiverFire celebration marks its 20th anniversary this Oct. 19 as the bonfires on the Androscoggin River and host of Halloween-flavored activities has grown into one of the region’s signature events.

It was a visit to WaterFire in Providence, R.I. by then City Manager Patrick MacQueen in late summer 2004 that provided the impetus for RiverFire. MacQueen described to the city council how WaterFire places a series of bonfires on Providence’s three downtown rivers and thousands are attracted to stroll the downtown and enjoy the ambience of the fires, listen to music, and take advantage of the shops and restaurants.

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