Community Invited to Riverside Dickens Festival

MORENO VALLEY>> In 1992, Carolyn Grant, Joan Patton and The Friends of the Library Board of Directors began to explore the creation of a festival for Riverside. A five-person steering committee was formed and the Riverside Dickens Festival was born in September 1993. Over the years, The Riverside Dickens Festival has grown with a mission of promoting literacy, provide educational entertainment and expand awareness of social similarities between Victorian times and the present. The main days for the annual Riverside Dickens Festival will be Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26 on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall near City Hall in Historic downtown Riverside between University Ave. and 11th Street. Now in its 24th year, the literary festival emphasizes the 19th century works of authors of England and America, with Charles Dickens being the central figure. Through drama, art, music, dance and cultural events, the festival portrays the life and times of another era. The featured book of the year is Charles Dickens’s “American Notes.” This year, festival events begin with the Pickwick’s Pub Night Fundraiser which features a new venue and entertainment that will not be seen at any other time during the festival. Entertainment favorites that will be at the festival include Looney’s Fortune, Everything Celtic, Bob’s Yer Uncle, Sportive Tricks, Simon Spalding and Christopher Yates. While strolling through the festival grounds, visitors can expect to meet up with many famous 19th century authors who will join Mr. Dickens for a debate, conversation or some ranting and raving in the Authors’ Salon, at Hyde Park Corner or on one of the stages. Guests will also have the chance to attend two fashion shows on Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26. The Saturday show will feature Victorian Dreamers and Sunday’s fashion show will feature a Steampunk Fantasia. Back by popular demand are two trials held in the historic Riverside Courthouse: The Trial of Jack the Ripper and the Trial of John Wilkes Booth.