ORANGE — Despite the possibility of rain on Saturday, the ninth annual Orange Solstice RiverFest is still on the schedule.

In the event of fair weather, the festivities will begin at 5 p.m. along the Millers River at Riverfront Park. Organizers intend to make the final call on Saturday at 1 p.m., with it being possible that the event will be pushed back to Sunday or even rescheduled to mid-September if rain persists throughout the weekend.

“This is very much an event that was created by the community for the community,” said Jerry Whaland, one the event’s organizers and co-owner of Billy Goat Boats. “And a lot of people — some in front of the scenes and some behind the scenes — really do roll up their sleeves all year and do everything they can to put this event on, and we may be fighting with some raindrops again this year, but I just encourage people to just put on a positive attitude, no matter what the weather brings.”

There will be food trucks, floating fire pits on the river, music, crafts, face painting, hair braiding, a magician, fire spinners, dance performances and children’s games. Whaland noted many of these activities are free.

“This way families can truly come out and enjoy it for little to no money,” he said.

Whaland got involved in organizing Solstice RiverFest when he took over the Orange Boathouse six years ago, but he has enjoyed it as a community member for longer.

“It was created … to celebrate the summer, celebrate the solstice, and just get people out and enjoying the river,” Whaland said.

At 9 p.m., there will be a lighted boat parade of canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft. Whaland recommends attendees watch the parade from the river.

“I highly encourage everyone to boat in any way they can, whether it’s renting with us or [using] their own boat,” he said. “Before I was involved with the Solstice RiverFest, I was just a community member and I personally enjoyed watching the lighted boat parade from my own boat.

“For me, I personally like that it brings the community out and together,” Whaland continued. “Whether it’s by the river or other places, in general we just need to get out and meet our neighbors more.”

More information is available at orangeriverfest.com. Visit facebook.com/OrangeSolsticeRiverfest for scheduling updates.