PHOTOS: Chesterfield Outdoor Fest returns for 2nd year
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The second annual Chesterfield Outdoor Fest showcased all things nature and outdoors on Saturday afternoon to officially kick off summer in the county.
The event was held from noon to 5 p.m. at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds, located at 10300 Courthouse Road.
According to the county, the festival will feature a special appearance by the county’s mascot, Cole, along with live musical performances and a beer garden.
The event brought the region’s first Canicross 5K race, which is a European sport that consists of a person running with a dog connected to a hands-free waist belt on a bungee line.
The county says additional entertainment and activities will include Metro Richmond Zoo animal encounters, a Kids Zone, BMX stunt shows, food trucks and live demonstrations like stand-up paddleboarding, fishing lessons, archery and plenty more.
Three country music artists also have taken the stage at this year's festival. Recording country artist Robbie Bradshaw took the main stage at 12:30 p.m., followed by "American Idol" contestant and country-folk performer Cari Lacey at 2 p.m. Country singer Cody Christian finishes off the day’s musical acts beginning at 3:30 p.m.
"Just a fun time to get residents out here for this free event to showcase Chesterfield County and all things here to experience in Chesterfield," J.C. Poma said.
"We just want folks to enjoy the beautiful weather, get to know the things they can do in the county and you're always really close to something special in Chesterfield, and that's what today's all about," he added.
Poma said that last year, the county launched "Experience Chesterfield," and said the goal is to "show Chesterfield as not just a tremendous first choice community but a first choice destination as well."
Continue scrolling to see photos from the Chesterfield Outdoor Fest.
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year on Saturday, May 31 (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)