CLAY COUNTY – The Memorial Day RiverFest in Green Cove Springs is a day-long festival of food, fun and music.

But most of all, it’s a perfect platform for area residents to pay homage to the men and women who’ve died while serving in the military.

Although one of the county’s biggest events at Moosehaven was canceled this year by the COVID-19 pandemic, a private Memorial Day celebration also is scheduled at the Eagle Habor Swim Park on Fleming Island from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as the 38th Annual Florida Striders Memorial Day 5K from noon to 2 p.m. at the Orange Park Town Hall Park.

Hundreds, however, are expected at Spring Park for RiverFest.

The holiday starts with a veterans’ recognition ceremony at the gazebo at 10 a.m. and continues until the fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. In between, there will be a Kids Zone, food trucks, crafts books, the annual Rubby Ducky race at Spring Run. And, of course, there will be plenty of music, highlighted by the Curt Towne Band show from 7-8:30 p.m., and 18 food trucks offering an array of treats.

Towne is happy to be home and to bring a couple of his former students to the stage.

“We love Green Cove,” the co-owner of Guitar Station on Walnut said. “We’re always happy to be home and playing right there by the water.”

Towne will be joined by former 38 Special, Outlaws and Lynyrd Skynyrd background vocalist Carol Bristow-Zur, sharing the signing duties with Barry Rapp. Shayne Wyatt, one of Towne’s former students, will play a 30-minute set ahead of the Curt Towne Band, while Sam Boyer, another former student, will join the band for a couple of songs.

Both Wyatt and Boyer are from Green Cove Springs.

Other acts include Brooke and Jacob Thomas (noon-12:45 p.m.), Steve Amburgey (12:45-1:15 p.m., Hal Hill’s Dance Party (1:15-1:45 p.m.), Blue Lotus Dance (2-3 p.m.), Rick Green (3-3:30 p.m.), Michelle Reeves (3:30-4 p.m.), Kian Sanchez (4-4:30 p.m.), Khloe MacDonald (4:30-4:45 p.m.), Miss Marie’s Kids (4:45-5:45 p.m.), Lee Ann Purvis (5:45-6 p.m.), Katy O (6-6:30 p.m.) and Wyatt (6:30-7 p.m.).

To register for the 5K at Orange Park, visit thedriven.net. For more information about RiverFest, visit greencovesprings.com.