Fans show up for Bocephus on a hot Riverbend start

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Riverbend Festival is here.

And on Friday it was toasty outside, but Lee Johnson and his wife found some shade while waiting to get into the festival.

“This is my first time ever coming to Riverbend,” he said.

Beyond the gates, you could try beating the heat with a cold drink or food.

Knoxville resident Kristina Killebrew’s “Artistic Pops” was one of the several food vendors.

“Artistic Pops” popsicles are all natural, gluten-free and dairy-free.

“We’re actually serving coconut, we have low-carb chocolate, we have chocolate, we have watermelon, strawberry.  So, a lot of the favorites especially on a hot day like this,” Killebrew said.

Vendors lined Riverfront Parkway with plenty of things to do on land, but what about off land and on the river?

“All week long Chattanooga Cycleboats is doing 30 minute tours for ten dollars. We’re calling it the Riverbender quickie,” Chattanooga Cycleboats Owner Nate Wilson said.

It’s the music, though, that had people at the festival, and out of all the performers, they were excited to watch one artist in particular.

“Bocephus by far, Hank Williams Jr.,” Festival Goer Michael Smith said.

The Honky-Tonk legend headlined opening day.

“Most of the songs that he sings, ‘Family Tradition,’ love that song, ‘Born to Boogie.’  Every song he sings, I pretty much know by heart,” Festival Volunteer J.J. Phillips said.

“You know he puts 100 percent into every show. If it’s hot he keeps on going, and he’s just a really good entertainer. We really do enjoy working for him,” said Mark Pierce who sells Hank Williams Jr. concert merch.

It was the start of what will be several days of music and fun at Riverbend in the Scenic City.

The eight day event wraps up next Saturday.