Planning for the 10th annual River Town Days festival is well underway, and let me tell you, the opportunities for a great time to be had will be outstanding. This is the signature event of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce and the generosity of the many business sponsors provide you, the community, all the fun an entertainment at little or no cost.

This year’s event will be on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, at the Earle May Boat Basin in Bainbridge.

You will be hearing and seeing much more in the coming weeks about all the activities at River Town Days, but here is a basic run down of all the events. Some will be repeats from previous years and I am excited and anxiously looking forward to some new aspects and changes for this year’s event.

The Dirty Guv’nahs will be the feature band and entertainment on Friday night, May 10. If you have never heard of these guys before, just wait — before long, this rock band will be a household name. And, a local band, Traveler, will be the opening act at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night.

From some of their songs used on network television shows like Nashville and Criminal Minds, to their video for the song “Fairlaine” running on MTV and CMT, the band is on the verge of hitting it big. For those of you who will be in attendance on May 10, you’ll be able to say, “I remember when those guys were in Bainbridge.”

Again, this year, after the free concert, we will culminate the night with a great fireworks show from a pirate ship floating in the boat basin. If you missed last year’s show, make plans now, because this is an awesome fireworks that is really spectacular reflecting off the water.

I have had the chance to work with a great bunch of people on the River Town Days planning committee for the last two years. After last year’s event, the feedback and suggestions from the attendees were indicative of a growing and successful event.

The main areas of concern were: the lines were too long, not enough to eat, and it ended too soon. Let me tell you, those are good problems to have and to solve.  And, we think we have addressed each of those items.

First, the hours for Saturday’s activities have been extended from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Secondly, we have expanded the kids’ activities and rides by approximately 25 percent and, lastly, the food vendors have been doubled.

One important addition that you need to know about and be prepared for is the water activities on Saturday. There will be water slides available that will require a bathing suit, towels, and, possibly, a change of clothes. So, you parents, be prepared for your child to get wet on some of the rides.

For all of you backyard chefs, this year you will be able to prove your mettle at grilling the perfect steak at the first River Town Days Steak Cook-Off. Look for details to come soon, along with an application. On that Saturday, an area in the Boat Basin will be dedicated to grills and grillers. Plan now to prove your steaks are the best.

More details will be upcoming, but if you have any questions, feel free to call or email me. The staff at the Chamber of Commerce will also be glad to answer any questions.