Yenna May was one of several performers with Circus Maine who showed their moves during family events associated with the River Jam Festival in Mechanics Park in Biddeford last year. This year’s event returns Sept. 20 and Sept. 21. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

BIDDEFORD — The Biddeford and Saco River Jam Festival returns on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21, for an incredible celebration of community on the Saco River, with exciting new additions this year. Heart of Biddeford, the downtown revitalization organization has partnered with Biddeford’s arts organization, Engine, to present this bookend to summer.

On Friday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. Main Street in Biddeford will be taken over by the “arts smörgåsbord” known as Fringe Fest. The evening spotlights theater, dance, music, visual arts and spoken word, along with local brewers and “street fare” from local restaurants. The now-famous Pie Luck (a potluck of pies) will return again this year, with free pie for all. Engine’s director, Tammy Ackerman, explained the origin of some of this year’s creative additions. “Engine was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation to utilize the arts to reach underserved populations in Biddeford. So, first we formed a diverse committee of high school students to curate the Fringe Fest’s artistic performances, hoping to reach a younger demographic. The students were excited to bring Korean Pop enthusiast DJ Jon down from Portland for a K-Pop Dance Party from 6 to 7 p.m.” K-Pop fans should be sure to show up for the “K-Pop Random Dance.” Ruby Yacht Artists’ Guild, comprised of rap and hip hop artists affiliated with SoulFolks, the local recording studio and record shop, will provide entertainment from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

For outdoor fitness buffs, Saturday, Sept. 21 begins with the annual River Jam 5K Road Race at 8 a.m. With prizes in each age category, advance registration is available at RunSignUp.com for $20, with day-of registration for $25. Then, the “Dash to the Sea” kayak and canoe race on the Saco River takes place at 10 a.m. Dash to the Sea registration is hosted by the Biddeford Recreation Department, and registration is on their website.

Free events kick off in Mechanics Park in Biddeford starting at Noon, with a Makers Market, BBQ provided by Run of the Mill, community booths and free canoe rides. Biddeford Historical Society will offer historic tours of the downtown, and tickets can be purchased for River Jam Charter Boat Tours down the Saco River. This year Heart of Biddeford will premiere the “River Rush” in Mechanics Park. Event organizer Delilah Poupore, who directs Heart of Biddeford, said the River Rush was inspired by a giant slip and slide in Bristol, England featured on YouTube. The ride will be a free, 100-foot slide with floatation devices so participants can have a great ride without getting too wet.

“We love introducing new aspects to River Jam,” Poupore said, and added, “We think the River Rush will be fun for everyone who tries it as well as for fans who can watch from the edge.”

The main attraction of River Jam for its six year history has been free, live, outdoor music. This year, Music on the Main Stage in Mechanics Park will run from Noon-9 p.m. At Noon, award-winning folk singer, Matt Loosigian will bring his kid’s music, humor and silliness to the youngest ‘River Jammers.’ At 2:30 p.m., Canadian born and raised singer/songwriter Joan Kennedy, who now lives in Saco, will perform her gutsy country music with her full band. Second only to Garth Brooks in the 1990’s as Canadian Country Music Radio’s most played artist, Kennedy will bring a professional, exciting performance to River Jam.

The evening has a roots/soul vibe that starts with Samuel James at 4 p.m., followed by YoungerBloods at 5:45 and the Kenya Hall Band at 7:30 p.m.  Samuel James was born and raised in Biddeford, and with a voice of grit and gravel, he sings with a rare authenticity. A modern guitar master, James’ skill has a depth and range that seems impossible for a man with only two hands. The YoungerBloods offer funk, soul and R&B that will make the audience dance. Inspired by great duo acts such as Sam & Dave, Ike & Tina Turner, and Otis Redding & Carla Thomas, the on-stage chemistry of ‘Mama’ Meg and Melvin Gradiz have wowed crowds throughout the state. Finally, when you hear headliner Kenya Hall and band, you’ll know why Rolling Stone Magazine calls her a “Soul Powerhouse.” Hall’s musical artistry weaves together indomitable vocals with a fierce blend of soul, hip hop and funk.

Four local breweries, Run of the Mill, Dirigo, Banded Brewing Co., and Nuts & Bolts, will start serving beer at 4 p.m. along with food trucks from El Rodeo, Texas Grace Kitchen, Sweetcream Dairy, Fishn’ Ships and Run of the Mill.

There is no gate fee to enter and enjoy any of the events thanks to funding from the City of Biddeford and Presenting Sponsors Biddeford Savings, Pepperell Mill Campus, and Saco & Biddeford Savings. Fringe Fest Presenting Sponsors are Town & Country Federal Credit Union and GWI. The River Jam Gold Sponsors are City Theater, Fathom, Journal Tribune, Lincoln Mill, Keep it Local, Port Property Management, Prime Motor Group, Saco Mill#4, Suger, and the University of New England. River Jam’s Silver and Bronze Sponsors are Tulu Salon as well as Saco Valley Credit Union and Think Tank Biddeford.

The 5K Road Race is Presented by Oak Point Associates, with support from Hobson & Co., Metta Studios, P&C Insurance, PeoplesChoice Credit Union, and Forever Fit.

River Jam is hosted by Heart of Biddeford in partnerships by Engine, along with support from the City of Biddeford, Biddeford+Saco Chamber, and Saco Main Street.

All details are available on www.RiverJamFest.com and on Facebook.com/RiverJamFestival. For more details, contact Delilah Poupore, Heart of Biddeford, 284-8520 or by email at director@heartofbiddeford.org.