RiverBeat takes off, drawing people downtown with music, vendors, pet parade

Waltham’s newest festival, RiverBeat, debuted Saturday, drawing crowds to the Moody Street Bridge and Riverwalk for a day celebrating the city’s arts, food and local businesses.

The event, which follows the former RiverFest, unfolded under bright skies as visitors from Waltham and beyond filled the downtown area. Periodic strong gusts of wind challenged vendors, but most secured their booths with added weights and cables, avoiding major disruptions.

Vendors sold a variety of handmade clothing, soaps, hot sauces, jewelry, pet treats and more. Artists worked in the open air. Sparks of hot iron flew at the tent of the Prospect Hill Forge. 

A lineup of live bands performed throughout the day, with clear, well-balanced sound carrying across downtown and over the river. 

Many attendees brought dogs to participate in a pet parade where canine contestants competed for prizes. The winners were:

• Jessie Dow, bib No. 25 – Olly (best dressed)
• Em Wilson, bib No. 17 – Blue Bear (best behaved)
• Melinda Hallisey, bib No. 18 – Dash (most happy)
• Cassie Eckert, bib No. 03 – Mabel (crowd favorite)
• Johan Santana, bib No. 10 – Mademoiselle Coco Chanel (best hair)

To see additional photos by Ray Chow, visit his RiverBeat album.