While Riverfest officially begins Friday, longtime festivalgoers know the celebration really starts a day early.

For years, Thursday has served as the unofficial kickoff to Monticello’ s signature summer festival, bringing neighbors together for a free community lunch before an evening of games, music and family fun along the Mississippi River.

This year, the festivities also include the grand opening of Monticello’ s new skate park, giving residents one more reason to celebrate before the busy Riverfest weekend begins.

The day starts with the annual Block Party from 11 a. m. to 1 p. m. outside the Sixth Street entrance of the Monticello Community Center. Sponsored by the City of Monticello, Monticello Parks, Arts & Recreation, the Monticello Senior Center, the Monticello National Guard and the Monticello Times, the event offers a free lunch of hot dogs, chips, soda and dessert.

The Block Party has become a summertime tradition, drawing hundreds of residents to catch up with neighbors, enjoy lunch outdoors and ease into Riverfest weekend.

Adding something new to the day, the city will officially open Monticello’ s new skate park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon. Located adjacent to the community center, the new facility will host two Learn to Skate clinics led by Action Sports of Minnesota and 3rd Lair Skatepark. A beginner clinic runs from 9 to 11 a. m., followed by an intermediate and advanced session from 1 to 3 p. m. Both clinics cost $ 20 and require preregistration.

As the afternoon gives way to evening, the celebration moves downtown for Party in the Park from 5 to 8 p. m. at West Bridge Park.

Hosted by the Monticello

Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the annual event has become Thursday’ s centerpiece, transforming the riverfront into a lively gathering place for families, friends and neighbors.

Children can purchase a $ 5 wristband for unlimited games and activities in the Kids Zone,

while everyone can enjoy free rides aboard the Harold Express train, bounce houses and displays from local nonprofit organizations.

Returning after making its debut last year is the Epic Inflatable Race, where participants don oversized inflatable

costumes supplied by organizers and compete in a relay-style obstacle course. The crowd-pleasing event quickly became one of Party in the Park’ s most memorable attractions, with racers bouncing, waddling and laughing their way across the course.

DJ Sounds Entertainment

will keep the energy high with its“ Viva La Fiesta” dance party, while visitors can also explore emergency vehicles, including a fire truck, police car and ambulance.

No festival gathering would be complete without plenty to eat. Party in the Park will feature food vendors serving favorites such as corn dogs, pizza and cotton candy, while volunteers once again hand out free slices of fresh watermelon. Before long, the park is filled with kids racing from one activity to the next, sticky fingers and watermelon juice dripping down their chins.

Adults can also enjoy the beer tent while taking in the festive atmosphere along the Mississippi River.

Whether stopping by for a quick lunch, taking the kids to the skate park or spending the evening at West Bridge Park, Thursday offers a relaxed start to one of Monticello’ s favorite summer traditions.