Collaborative Children’s Solutions in collaboration with the city is hosting the event once again, set to begin with vendors at 10 a.m.

on Saturday at the Chadakoin Riverwalk near Jamestown Area Medical Associates. The river is set to turn green beginning at 11 a.m.

“It’s a community event,” Collaborative Children’s Solutions Executive Director Patrick Smeraldo said. “We have a bunch of vendors and we get like 2,000 kids that come each year. The BPU and the city are great partners for the event.”

Jamestown remains one of three cities in the United States that hold this event annually. Smeraldo said it is a great economic opportunity for the city that brings people to the area each year, and is also a free family-friendly event. 10 vendors made up of local agencies are signed up for this weekend’s event, with plans for them to hold games for kids before the river turns green. The vendors will also have information on their individual agencies, and the streets in that area will be closed for safety. Smeraldo added there will be kids from the high school there to help as well, and the event will be over around 11:45.

“It should be a good event, and the weather looks like it should be good as well, though a little nippy,” Smeraldo said. “It’s a big economic boost for the city. It’s a big St Patrick’s Day celebration for Jamestown, and we’re one of three cities in the country that do it. The Riverwalk is incredible; the atmosphere is incredible. People can come out for an open-air, family-friendly, free event.”

Smeraldo said people should plan to come around 10 a.m. to have time for the vendors, but to be there for sure by 11 a.m. to see the river turn green. After the event, attendees can then go uptown for lunch and to visit other businesses around the area.

“It’s an honor for Collaborative Children’s Solutions to be able to be involved in this event for the people and children in our city, and to partner with the city and BPU for it,” Smeraldo said.