By JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg Riverfest has the green light from the city, but organizer Joe Howe said the event could be delayed until next year, if a national act can’t be booked on short notice.

“We want to do it right,” he said. “The agreement is for two years, so if we can’t get it done this year, we can still do it next year.”

Howe said he will be busy in coming weeks as he investigates options on a limited timeframe.

Howe’s company, Everything 4 Entertainment approached the city in December with a request to use the former Diamond National property to host a concert featuring a national artist that was expected to draw 10,000 people.

The two-day festival was to feature local and regional acts and then close with a national artist such as Bob Seger, Duran Duran, Alanis Morissette or the Doobie Brothers.

However, as Howe and his company worked to obtain a license from the city to use the property, months dragged on.

City Manager Sarah Purdy and the council both offered support for the event, but there ensuring the city taxpayers were protected, emergency services could be provided and health standards would be met, took time.

Howe said he was pleased that things could move forward. City council were also happy to get the ball rolling after long delays.

Howe said he couldn’t book a band before the license was in place, because he would be on the hook for payment even if a deal fell through.

Howe said he expects to be able to provide an update in coming weeks, but for now he’s glad a deals in place.

The concert had originally be planned to take place in July, but not overlap with Seaway Festival.

Ticket prices were estimated at $75, with options for camping. A beer garden was also to be hosted at the event.