After Thursday’ s unofficial kickoff, Riverfest officially gets down to business Friday with an evening packed full of family favorites, from classic cars and pie-eating to a brand-new variety show before fireworks light up the night.

Family Fun Night returns to Pioneer Park from 5 to 8 p. m., transforming one of Monticello’ s most picturesque parks into the heart of Riverfest. Families can spend the evening exploring classic cars, visiting the petting zoo, tackling games and activities, cheering on pie-eating contestants and settling in for hometown entertainment before ending the night beneath a sky full of fireworks.

One of the evening’ s biggest attractions is the annual Classic Car Show, where owners from around the region display everything from restored antiques and muscle cars to custom vehicles, trucks and motorcycles. Whether you’ re a lifelong gearhead or simply enjoy admiring beautifully preserved automobiles, there’ s plenty to see as rows of polished chrome line the west side of Pioneer Park.

Families with young children will find no shortage of activities throughout the evening. Kids can meet friendly animals at the petting zoo, take pony rides, burn off energy in the bounce house play area, test their skills in the Kids Games area and build a small wooden project to take home during the Home Depot Kids’ Building Clinic.

When hunger strikes, Family Fun Night serves up several longtime Riverfest favorites. Sloppy joe dinners and hot dogs return to the Pioneer Park pavilion, while snow cones and root beer floats provide a sweet way to cool off on a warm July evening.

One of Riverfest’ s messiest traditions returns at 6 p. m. with

the annual Pie Eating Contest.

The crowd favorite pits local community leaders against one another in a race to finish a cream pie without using their hands. The winner takes home the traveling trophy, but everyone leaves wearing at least a little whipped cream. The contest has become one of Riverfest’ s most photographed events, drawing plenty of laughter from spectators packed around the stage.

At 7 p. m., Riverfest introduces something new.

For the first time, the Monticello Community Theater will present a Variety Show at Pioneer Park, showcasing local performers in an outdoor production that replaces the festival’ s longtime Talent Showcase. Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of hometown entertainment.

Also beginning at 7 p. m., the Wright County Sheriff’ s Office will demonstrate the skills and teamwork behind its K-9 program

during the annual K-9 demonstration, always a favorite among children and adults alike.

Throughout the evening, KRWC’ s Roadshow will keep the energy high with music, games and contests, while volunteers help create the welcoming atmosphere that has made Family Fun Night one of Riverfest’ s signature traditions.

The celebration wraps up around 10 p. m. with Riverfest’ s annual fireworks display,

launched from the grounds between Monticello High School and Eastview Education Center. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a colorful finale that can be seen from throughout the community.

From pie-covered faces and polished chrome to dazzling fireworks overhead, Friday offers the kind of hometown traditions that have made Riverfest the centerpiece of summer in Monticello for generations.