RidgeFest photo feature

OAK RIDGE TOWN PARK l Sept. 9, 10 & 11, 2021

“We didn’t know what was going to happen this year because of COVID, but obviously, everyone was ready to get out and enjoy the park. And, the weather could not have been better,” said RidgeFest organizer Randy Floss after the three-day event. “Ticket sales were up 80% compared to a ‘normal year,’ and with the new amusement company, the rides were able to handle about 25% more than previous years.” Floss estimates about 5,000 people attended RidgeFest Saturday night, and said the fireworks being scheduled earlier in the evening, with the rides and music starting back up afterward, helped stagger the traffic as people left the park. “The biggest challenge we dealt with from a COVID standpoint was that there were four different types of food we couldn’t do because the vendors couldn’t get enough help,” Floss noted. “A special 9/11 ceremony all came off without any issues and involved the Cub Scouts, ORMA, sheriff’s deputies, and the Marine color guard,” he continued. Already setting his sights on next year, Floss said he’ll plan for additional rides, and hopes to add a large carousel, another kiddie ride and more food vendors. Proceeds from RidgeFest, which come from a percentage of ticket sales, will be donated to local charities and for educational purposes.