MISSOULA — The River City Roots Festival returned to downtown Missoula for its 20th annual celebration, drawing families, vendors and first-time visitors to the heart of the city for two days of music, food and community.
The two-day event, on Aug. 21-22, is put on by the Downtown Missoula Partnership. The free festival draws more than 15,000 people each year.
Attendees had the chance to participate in a 4-mile run, visit vendors and dance to music.
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Vendors sold everything from cowboy hats to art to even frozen treats.
Attendees of all ages took part in the signature festivities that mark the end of summer and the start of the new school year.
"I've just been having a great day," six-year-old Helli Cole, who made the most of her time at the festival, said.
For two University of Montana freshmen, the festival served as their first introduction to Missoula.
"It's such a welcoming town and I love the art and everything and the community events that go on like all the time."
The celebration also marked a first for Neveah Sims, who is originally from Wyoming.
"I haven't been really out to these type of places, so just coming around here, seeing just like the different experiences of Missoula and stuff, and just coming downtown is really exciting for me," she said.
Families also turned out in force. One family told MTN attending the festival has become an annual tradition.
"Last thing to do before the school starts, we're both teachers, so yeah, the final outing to celebrate summer [and] the start of school," the family said.
For vendors, the people make the event worthwhile.
"I bartend around town as well, so I love, you know, connecting with people," the owner of Big E's frozen bananas said.
Parking is free downtown on weekends. The festival runs until 10 p.m. Saturday. For more information on the annual event, visit here.
