34th Renton River Days Kicks Off This Week

RENTON, WA — Renton River Days kicks off this weekend with more than 30,000 expected to converge on Liberty Park for events including circus performers, a rubber ducky race, and the delicious "Nibble of Renton."

River Days dates back almost 100 years, when Renton was holding multiple summer festivals in the 1930s. In the mid-1980s, the city combined several celebrations into River Days. The event features plenty of amusements and food, youth circus performances on both weekend nights, and the Rotary Club Rubber Ducky Derby — where locals float duckies down the Cedar River in a race for cash prizes.

The River Days parade, another main event, starts Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown Renton. This year's grand marshal is Renton resident and former heavyweight boxer Boone "Boom Boom" Kirkman, who once fought George Foreman at Madison Square Garden.

Amusements, music, and attractions like the Renton Annual Art Show happen Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 11 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The rubber ducky race begins at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Houser Way bridge. For a full lineup of events and activities, head to the Renton River Days website.