Down by the River fundraiser features fun, food at Shelton Riverwalk

SHELTON - The Riverwalk was the place to be Saturday as the fifth annual Down by the River festival raised funds for Moving with Hope, a non-profit organization that provides physical activity and support to individuals with disabilities and their families.

The event featured a chili contest, information booths, children's activities, and live entertainment. On Saturday morning the nonprofit sponsored Bike for Hope, a charity ride.

My husband Ralph and I went there to visit friends stationed at the Center for Disability Rights' info booth.

CDR is based in West Haven, and Shelton is part of its catchment area. Representatives were on hand to talk about the nonprofit's advocacy work for individuals with disabilities.

We didn't know ahead of time that the music lineup included The Bernadettes. While we were chatting, a friend said to us "that sounds like The Bernadettes," and sure enough, they were there.

Like many others we are big fans of the music and energy the New Haven-based band brings to any venue. And their performance in the oppressive humidity Saturday didn't disappoint.

We're looking forward to seeing them again soon.