Inoculated with healthy doses of intellectualism, academics, and music, this festival is indeed a…read moredelight! Yes, there is even the small parade of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria and her court. The parade includes fine gentlemen and ladies, a chimney sweep, a properly-kilted Scotsman playing his bagpipes, and another Scotsman that has to be at least 10 feet tall. Too bad they only do it one weekend each year. You will discover well-delivered lectures by 19th Century impersonators of notable people (such as Dickens, Van Gough, Emily Dickens for starters), imaginatively anachronistic storytellers (you cannot miss the zany Professor Peanut!), poetry lovers, and a wonderful collection of musicians.
The Promenade in downtown Riverside, once known as Main St., is actually no longer a street at all. Instead, you will find a broad, public walkway lined with small and medium sized storefronts, graceful shade trees, benches to stop and breathe a spell, special water features, sculptures, and entertainment. The eye-catching historic Mission Inn, a glorious testament to old California architecture, is located about a block down from this delightful activity. This is all part of a permanent Downtown City of Riverside transformation. But during the festival, the walkway is infused with food vendors and retail booths, street entertainers, and strategically positioned stages scheduled with well-organized programs, so there is never a dull moment.
Very ADA compliant, you will find little something for everyone...even friendly vibes if you wish to bring the family dog. For the kids (of the human variety), there was a goat petting tent. But later, we saw their appropriately 19th Century-garbed caretakers rambling down the promenade, mingling with the crowds. There are an eclectic list of street musicians to amuse, a Punch and Judy puppet theater to captivate your inner-child, and other regularly scheduled events (indoors and out, some free, some requiring tickets).
The point is, slow down, allow yourself to be distracted, and absorb the full experience. Don't feel intimidated that this is only for the artsy types; costumes are fun but not necessary to have delightful memories. So, whatever your preference, come one, come all.
Best of all, with the exception of having to pay for parking (in one of several large parking structures nearby), there is no entrance fee. The festival is active during daylight hours only.
